Wanda Lucille Ritter, age 85, left her earthly journey February 10, 2020, for a "family reunion" with her loved ones who have already made their heavenly journey: her parents, Joseph Glenn and Ola Marie Branstetter;   brothers/sister,  Marce, and wife, Bernice, and son, Glenn Lee, Garland and wife, Virginia and son, Carl Dale, Zeda and husband, Ralph, her lifelong friend, Wanda Sallee, and her beloved poodles.  Wanda was born March 12, 1934, in DeWitt, Arkansas, and resided in DeWitt until her senior year in high school when her parents moved to Hot Springs where she spent her remaining years.

Wanda is survived by a son, Jerry; daughter, Janetta; granddaughters, Buffie, and Kacie;   grandson, Matthew; great-grandchildren,  Austin, Keaton, Kaeson, Karleigh, and Nalanie.  She also leaves behind nieces and nephews and their spouses:  Judy, Terry, Peggy, Ronnie, Mary Lynn, Margaret, Melanie, Linda, Rita, Carroll, Sandra, and Troy Glenn, as well as her loving lap companion, Princess.

Wanda worked until she was over 80.  Early in her career, she was a legal secretary for U.S. Magistrate Sigun Rasmussen and then her last job was again a legal secretary for the late, Ron Naramore, and Bruce Garnett before she had to give up her steno pad due to her health. She also held the position of Office Manager for Resort Cable TV for a number of years between her legal secretary days.  Wanda was an active leader in the Garland County Legal Secretaries Organization.

Wanda loved her flowers and plants as well as watching the hummingbirds on her deck. Mom enjoyed life to its fullest especially being a mother and grandmother.  She was blessed to have a 60+ year friendship with her friend, Nurse Wanda.  The two "Wandas" took the term "BFF" to an entirely different level! The stories they would tell when they were together were priceless. Then there were the stories they would not share and promised to take to their graves!

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Arkansas Hospice doctors, nurses, and staff for the compassionate care given in her final days; the exceptional care provided by Belvedere Nursing and Rehab doctors, nurses, and staff during her stay at the facility; and last, but certainly not least, the loving and devoted care provided for almost three years by her caregivers Staci, Lindy, Rena, Sherry, Jennifer, and Christi was beyond extraordinary and such a blessing for Mom. You ladies rock! And, to Dr. Sketas – thank you for your kind words and the time you spent on Mom's behalf.

Wanda was a member of Pullman Heights United Methodist Church.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you plant a flower or tree in her name (hint: she loved roses), make a donation to Arkansas Hospice or the Garland County Humane Society, or a charity of your choice.  Adopting a dog or cat that needs a home would make her very happy.

A celebration of life, potluck and fellowship will be held in Wanda's honor on Sunday, February 16, 2020, at 2 p.m. in the training room of the Piney Fire Protection District, Station 1, located at 120 Mid-America Blvd., Hot Springs, Arkansas.

The guest registry is at http://carriganmemorial.com . Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral  Services.

The family of Wanda Ritter submitted the life reflections of their mother.