Wanda Blanche Tinker (née Rains) was born in Ava, Illinois, to Lawrence and Stella Rains on June 7, 1926. Because of her hope in Jesus’ resurrection, she entered Heaven’s gates on September 1, 2022.
Wanda is survived by her children Timothy Tinker (Deborah), Paula Tinker Hesser (John), Lewis Tinker (Nancy), and David Tinker (Mary). She is survived by grandchildren Ryan Tinker (Holly), Kyle Tinker (Miriam), Travis Hesser (Alyssa), Lauren Hesser, Lindsey Hesser Schlake (Mark), Michelle Tinker Dodson (Brian), and Eric Tinker; her great-grandchildren are Macie, Isaac, Corynn, Josie, Lyla, Cooper, Silas, Harper, Eli, Jack, Marlow, and Rhett. She was loved by her grand-dogs Roxie, Casey, and Kai. Also two grand-cats, Woobs and Whitey will miss her pets. Wanda was a treasured sister-in-law, loving aunt, a kind friend, and good neighbor to many.
Wanda was preceded in death by Clarence, her husband of 49 years, her parents, three dear brothers and two loving sisters.
Sometime in 1945 at the Emerson Electric Factory, Wanda rounded the corner and encountered, in her words, “the most handsome man I’d ever seen”. That man, of course, was our sweet Dad, Clarence Tinker. They married in Ava, Illinois, on June 25, 1949. Together, they lived a life of love, laughter, family, friends, soo many (very competitive) card games, hard work, and travel. They especially loved pilgrimages to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee or any other place Country music could be heard.
Wanda was the consummate homemaker, world class cook~her delicious chicken ‘n dumplings (rolled! not dropped !!) have yet to be duplicated although we have her recipe, an extraordinary gardener, a wonderful seamstress~ making most of Paula’s childhood clothes to even her formals and prom dress. Wanda loved painting-especially on velvet, 60-70’s macrame, and crocheting. She was an amazing and prolific quilter. Quilting really helped her pass the lonely days after Dad died in 1999.
Wanda graduated at the top of her high school class but like many young people of that day, higher education was not an option. She dutifully worked many jobs; beginning in early high school as a housekeeper for an elderly neighbor. She later became a waitress at the cafe in Ava and she worked numerous factory jobs in St. Louis. Her last place of employment was Ritepoint Pen Factory in Crestwood, Mo. where she met life long friends; many who shared her love of Bingo.
Wanda was a kind and devoted mother. For many years, she was essentially a “single mom” because Dad’s over the road trucking job took him away from Sunday to Friday night. Out of necessity, Wanda could fix anything she set her mind to. She took apart a washing machine to fix it when there wasn’t money for a repairman. In her 80’s she was still mowing her home’s large lawn.
Mom was an excellent mother but she delighted and took great joy in her grandkids and great-grandkids. Any little person who called her “Grandma “, “Maw Tink”, or “Gigi” was showered with her loving affection.
Our family would like to express our gratitude to the dedicated nurses and staff at Meramec Bluffs Senior Living Center where Wanda spent the last three years of her life, particularly during the difficult and lonely COVID quarantine which lasted over a year. They provided “Magic Wand-da”, alias “ The Bingo Shark” with many days of fun, friendship, games, activities, and worship.
Family and friends are invited to say a final goodbye to Wanda at the Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Road, Affton, Mo. on Friday, September 9, 2022 from 12:00 to 1:45. A celebration of her life will begin at 1:45. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association in Wanda’s honor
I lost a very Special Sister-In-Law, I loved her so very much, We had a lot of Great Card Games and seen a lot of great country stars at concerts, I’ll meet you again Wanda in our Heavenly Home, Love and Prayers for all the family.
Aunt Wanda was so very special to me. After my Uncle Clarence passed, I would call her and get and update on her family. She was so very proud of her kids and grandkids. I loved all of her stories. She was such a beautiful lady and always positive. I remember the card games with my parents and the trips to see her Mom. She always made me feel so very special. I will always miss her but I know that she was ready to be with her special husband, my Uncle Clarence. They were such a special part of my childhood and I will never forget them. Love you so much Aunt Wanda.