Vanda Jeanette (Core) Graunke, 94, of DeQuincy, passed into the arms of her Savior on Friday, December 17, 2021 in Hathaway, LA, surrounded by her loved ones. Vanda was born to her late parents, Burton and Katie Odegar Core on March 19, 1927 in DeQuincy, LA. She was a long time member of DeQuincy First Baptist Church. In her early years, she worked for Mr. Godsey as a Soda Jerk in DeQuincy, and then worked as a Telephone Operator in Lake Charles, where she met her husband, Reuben. She was also a Physical Education Aide, and a U.S. Census Enumerator. Her last job was serving as the Activities Coordinator at the DeQuincy Care Center. Vanda was a consistent, cheerful giver, and gave to Samaritan's Purse, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, and DeQuincy First Baptist Church. One of her greatest joys was portraying Minnie Pearl, standing beside her beloved Reuben as he played the Dulcimer. Vanda will always be remembered for her unforgettable sayings like "graceful as a bull in a china closet", "don't worry about that mule going blind", "it makes me wanna chase rabbits and eat dirt", and "it makes me wanna cut my shoe strings and go straight up."
She is survived by her five daughters, Carolyn Herrmann (Stuart) of Baton Rouge, LA, Jeanette King (Ken) of Lumberton, TX, Paula Smith of Jennings, LA, Sharon Hayes of Sulphur, LA, Joanne McFatter of Sulphur, LA; one brother, Rayford Core of Lake Charles, LA; ten grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Vanda is preceded in death by her loving husband, Reuben Graunke; two brothers, Burton Core, Jr. and Monette Core; along with three sisters, Dorothy Willie, Delma Jimenez, and Tommie Lou White.
A Celebration of Vanda's life will be held at Hixson-Snider Funeral Home in DeQuincy on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at 1:30pm, with Bro. Gil Arthur officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Wednesday, beginning at 12:30pm until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Masonic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to DeQuincy First Baptist Church, Samaritan's Purse, or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.
Services entrusted to Jordan and Amanda Mothershed of Hixson-Snider Funeral Home.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonsnider.com for the Graunke family.
