Wanda Ruth Massey

Wanda Ruth (Rutledge) Harris Massey was born the second daughter of Marvin Milton Rutledge and Bessie Leona (Allen) Rutledge on March 28, 1934 in Farmersville, Texas. She was the younger sister to Doris June whom she called June. They lived in Texas before relocating to El Centro, CA where Wanda went to school through Junior High School.

Wanda met Billy Joe when the family moved back to Texas. They were married in Denison, Texas in June 1952, and Bill then entered the U.S. Army in December 1952. At completion of his service they moved to Bethany, Oklahoma where Billy Joe finished his education at Bethany Nazarene College before moving to Hollis, Oklahoma for his job. Wanda and Bill enjoyed many friendships and began a life-long friendship with Altha and Thornton Smith there in Hollis.

Wanda was mom to three girls: Cyndi, Becky and Kris. Her joy in life was being mom. Her girls were her priority! In addition to those 3 girls, she opened her home and heart to (Shirley, Britt, Gwen, Shirley Ann and Bob to mention a few) and gave each one of us unconditional love.

When Wanda wasn’t working (at Founders Ins. Co) she could be found cooking or sewing for the family or a group of friends! Wanda loved to gather friends together for a meal and some laughs. During her marriage to dear Leo, she was the ring leader/master event planner and chef for their amazing circle of friends!

I’m particularly touched by the love and commitment of her dear friends who go as far back as the early 1950’s. Two of her sister-in-laws, Jane and Mildred – were girlhood friends and their love and enjoyment of each other was life-long.

Additionally, Altha, LaDonna, RuthAnn, Carla, Bobbie, Joy, Joann, Pat, Anne, Linda, Carol and Sue (and along with their husbands and kids) gave Wanda so much joy over the years. She loved each and every one and treasured the laughs and love they shared. And then there is Jane – friend and favored hairdresser for over 45 years! For all of you who loved Wanda Ruth – you know HAIR is a big deal. Remember the plastic hair covers that she tied around her neck, or the scarves she wore (in so many lovely colors) to keep the ‘do’ so nice! Bless Jane’s heart – she even made house calls.

In her retirement years Wanda loved to travel – and travel she did. She and Leo began traveling early in their marriage and traveled all over the US. She continued to travel after Leo died and many of us share precious memories (and great laughs) of those travels together.

The constant thread in Wanda’s life was her faith and trust in her Savior Jesus Christ. Involved in the church from an early age. Wanda sang and played the piano and was active in every aspect of the church. Married in the Nazarene Church, Wanda and Bill raised their girls at Lake View Park Church of the Nazarene. Later, Wanda attended Cathedral of Praise before finally settling into the family of Victory Church with husband Leo Massey. Wanda and Leo were very active in the VIP (senior group) at Victory Church. Leo drove the bus and Wanda was tour guide, cook and occasional co-pilot.

(Shirley’s Comments) Wanda was passionate about her faith and her Lord. She was consistent in her walk offering all of us encouragement and mentoring in our own walk. For me, she was ‘the voice in my head” reminding me of how Jesus loved me unconditionally. She was the mom that not only taught us to ‘use our words’ but to WATCH our words! She spoke the language of love and acceptance, never taking the negative path. She reminded us to speak positively, knowing that what comes out of our mouth determines our mindset. TRUTH! What a blessing to have someone praying for me, reminding me of my value – not only in her eyes, but in God’s eye’s! She spoke life – changing works to me and to each one of her kids’ and friends.

Verses of Scripture that Wanda lived by are: “And my God shall supply all our need according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus… be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God and the Peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:19; 6-7.

She LIVED this!

More facts on Wanda Ruth:

Born: Wanda Ruth Rutledge

Married: Billy Joe Harris (Deceased) on June 28, 1952

Children: Cynthia Rene (Deceased). Her children are Clint Pike and Cara Pike and great grandson Kayleb Theiout

Rececca LeAnn (husband Jeff) Boot. Her children are Laura Ellen (husband Samuel) Booth Apodaca and great grandson Jackson Avery

Krista Lynn (husband Bo) Allsbrook. Her children (sons) Trent and Blake Collins and Chandler and Logan Allsbrook and daughter Addison Allsbrook

Married Leo Monroe Massey (Deceased) Married on August 6, 1993