Memorial
Wanda Lu Whitford, 89, of Robins passed away, April 15, 2025. Visitation will be held from 5-6:30 PM, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Lovely Lane United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids. A Memorial Service will follow at 6:30 PM Tuesday at the church. A livestream of the service can be viewed at
https://www.youtube.com/live/d5JC8KKzAjk. Private Inurnment will be held at a future date. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Wanda was born on June 18, 1935, in West Union, Iowa, the daughter of Howard Quenton and Clara Mae (Baechler) Shaffer. After High School, she graduated from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls in 1954. Wanda was united in marriage to Donald Lee Whitford on July 1, 1956. She continued her education later in life, attending Mt. Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, completing a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 1981. Wanda worked as an elementary teacher in Tripoli and Volga and then as a substitute teacher in Alburnett, Center Point, and Cedar Rapids, retiring in 2005. She also worked as a Newcomers Representative for six years in the Cedar Rapids area. Wanda was active in a variety of ministries through the Methodist Church. Singing and music brought her much joy as a long-time choir member. When her children were growing up, Wanda held leadership roles in scouting, PTA, and booster clubs. She was a member of the Robins City Council from 1982-1986. Wanda coordinated volunteers to facilitate the creation of Robins City Park. In addition, she organized and coordinated volunteers for the Cedar Rapids Community Action Transitional Housing Program from 1992-1994.
Survivors include her husband of 68 years, Donald of Robins; children, Steven Whitford, David (Tracy) Whitford and Colleen (David Jon) Wirth; grandchildren, Chanel Whitford, Kayleigh Canny, Kelsey (Kaleb) Howey, Carson Whitford, David Whitford, Candice Whitford, Brandy Whitford, and Blake Whitford; step grandchildren, Heather and Amber; brothers, Stan (Sharon) Shaffer, Dennis (Anita) Shaffer, and Jon (Vera) Shaffer; sister-in-law, Dalene Whitford; step-brother, Clark (Ebby) Whitford; step sisters, JoJean Whitford and Mary (Russell) Wickstrom; and nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her parents; step father, Floyd Whitford; son, Scott Whitford; brothers-in-law, James and Leslie Whitford; and step brother, Wendell Whitford.
Memorials may be directed to Matthew 25, Lovely Lane United Methodist Church, or American Cancer Society.