Wanda Pearl Price, 97, El Dorado Springs, departed this life on July 9, 2011, at the Community Springs Nursing Home in El Dorado Springs. She was born June 2, 1914, in Primm, OK, to Leslie Burt Mitchell and Effie Merle (Palmer) Mitchell.Wanda’s mother died when she was a baby and she was raised by her Uncle and Aunt Buck in Canton, OK. She graduated from Canton High School.
Wanda told her family about meeting Frank Joseph Gorham while he worked for the railroad and how athletic he looked. They started dating right away. He was over 6 ft. tall and she was only 4’ 11” tall. They were united in marriage in 1934.
To this union three children were born: Shirley (died at birth March 8, 1935), Connie and Carol. After their marriage, the family left Canton, OK, and moved to Portland, OR. The family again moved in the mid 50’s to Independence, MO, where Wanda went to work for AT&T. A few years later she and Frank divorced.
Wanda married Billy E. Price in 1961. After retiring from AT&T, they moved to El Dorado Springs. They enjoyed their new life and many new friends.
She was affectionately known to family and friends as “Granny.” Her hobbies included collecting dolls, playing cards and attending to the needs of her family.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Billy E. Price; two daughters: Shirley Sue Gorham and Connie June Gorham; and three grandchildren - Phillip, Susie and Billy Joe.
Wanda is survived by one daughter, Carol Sieler ,of Liberty; four grandchildren - Diane, Roger, Jimmy and Gary; 16 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great-grandchildren.
Services began at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 13, at the First Christian Church in El Dorado Springs. Rev. Dale Felder officiated and Ron Alumbaugh provided music. Interment followed in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Bruce Rogers, Mike Tittle, Forest Troyer, Greg Beydler, Chuck Ashlock and Chris Vickers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Children’s Mercy Hospital and left at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be left at our web site at: www.blandhackleman.com.
