Obituary

Wanda Lou (Crowder) Barnes, daughter of Woodvul C. and Patty Lou (Vantellman) Crowder, was born on July 31, 1953 in Brooklyn, New York. She departed this life on February 8, 2025 in Lee’s Summit, Missouri at 71 years of age.

Wanda attended school at Appleton City and graduated from Central Missouri State University in 1975 with a degree in Medical Technology. On August 3, 1974 Wanda was united in marriage to Ronnie E. Barnes in Appleton City, Missouri. They were blessed with a son and daughter: Andrew and Jennifer.

Wanda worked as a medical technician at Menorah Medical Center for 10 years, until becoming a full-time mom to her children. During that time raising kids and homeschooling, trips to the library were so frequent that the Mid-Continent Public Library in Raytown convinced her to come to work, where she remained a library clerk until she retired after 25 years.

Wanda committed her life to Christ and was saved at a young age. She was a founding and current member of Lee’s Summit Community Church, where she loved to serve and help in any way that she could.

Wanda had many hobbies: reading, travel, baking, cooking, crafting, collecting blue glass and baskets, treasure hunting at antique stores with Ron, and being a proud and doting grandma.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and her sister, Shirley Renfrow.

Survivors include her husband Ronnie E. Barnes, son Andrew D. Barnes of Independence, Missouri; and daughter Jennifer L. McMurray (Matthew) of Grain Valley, Missouri; grandson Atticus H.C. McMurray; sister Dee Ann Campbell (Tim) of Chandler, Arizona; along with many nieces, nephews, family, neighbors, and dear friends. She will be deeply missed by all her family and friends.