Wanda K. Wallace

Wanda was born in Zookspur, Iowa, on December 12, 1922 to Marjorie Imogene Faust Dunagan and William Ernest “Casey” Dunagan and she was the oldest of five children.

Wanda graduated from Lincoln High School in Des Moines and attended Drake University, where she met her lifelong partner, John “Jock” Wallace. They married in 1946 and were married for 70 years. They traveled, played ping pong, and golfed together, and both loved music. They had three children, and Wanda’s love for her family was evident in everything she did. She never missed a birthday or anniversary, and when she was able, she went to games, recitals, and performances, and she was a supportive fan. She loved everyone in her family without judgment and was always open-armed and inviting. She was an ardent Cubs fan and loved to read and do crosswords. Wanda was open to new adventures, like white-water rafting, was willing to try anything, and was quick to laugh; when she laughed, as she did often, everyone else laughed along with her. She touched us all in her wonderful, supportive way, and she made us all better people just by being close to us.

She was an active member of Plymouth Congregational Church, volunteering for many church activities, including the newsletter. She was a part of the Women’s Fellowship and its affiliate groups, and she was also a member of PEO. She worked for the United Church of Christ Conference office for 12 years.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Jock, son William “Bill” Ross Wallace, sisters, Colleen Hoffa (Jerry) and Gloria Milligan (Jack), and brother, Duke Dunagan (Audrey).

Wanda is survived by her daughter, Nancy Lynn Wallace; her son, John Scott Wallace (Susan Russell Wallace); and Bill’s wife, Micki Dee Waalk Wallace; youngest brother, Gerald Dunagan, and his wife, Delores, who still live in West Des Moines and visited with Wanda frequently.

Wanda had a loving, special relationship with each of her grandchildren: Kristin Ann Morrison (Michael Thomas Morrison), Ross William, Thomas Clarke (Kristin Hoover), Jeffrey John (Paige Tucker), Samuel Clarke (Caroline Evans), and Sarah Kathleen (Peter Gaitens). Her great-grandchildren include Devin Michael Collins, Daphne Rose Innis-Wallace, Riley Marie Gaitens, Kellen John Gaitens, Oliver Evans Wallace, Liam Michael Gaitens, Ivy Ruth Wallace, and Adira Hazel Wallace.

A memorial and celebration of her life will be held at a date and time to be determined. Memorials may be given to Plymouth United Church of Christ or the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Iowa.