Wanda Ann Newman

The daughter of Theodore and Marjorie Gingrich, she was born July 29, 1940, in Garden City, KS. The family lived in Garden City, Junction City, and El Dorado before settling in Topeka. Wanda graduated from Topeka High School and attended Washburn University.

She married Gary J. Newman in 1959, and the couple had two sons. In her younger years while her husband studied dentistry at Kansas City University, Wanda worked as a dental assistant and as a secretary at KU Medical Center. Later in life, after Gary established his dental practice in Topeka, Wanda worked in his office. She was also active in the Dental Auxiliary. Wanda’s pastimes included gardening, reading and time spent with children and animals. (If a stray animal appeared at her doorstep, chances were that it would find a loving home.)

Never one to seek the spotlight, Wanda preferred to contribute to church and community in a quiet manner. During the many years that she and her family were parishioners at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Topeka, Wanda served as an usher, as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, as secretary of the Women’s Board, and as a member of the Altar Guild. She also volunteered at VA Hospital.

Among her many qualities, Wanda will be remembered for her compassion, devotion to family, intellectual curiosity, dry wit and irreverent sense of humor, love of animals, and loyalty to friends. Her grandchildren whom she adored brought her the greatest joy in her later years.

Wanda’s beloved husband of 46 years preceded her in death as did her brother Richard Gingrich. She is survived by her son, Jon (Linda) Newman; her son, Todd Newman; her grandchildren, Lolly, Ivy and Teddy; and her sister in-law, Betty Corwin.

Memorial Service will be Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Lakeview Funeral Home, 2pm.

Special heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Catholic Care Center and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice.

In lieu of flowers Wanda requested that contributions be made to Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside St., Wichita Kansas 67219 or the Helping Hands Humane Society 5720 SW 21st St., Topeka, KS 66604.