Wanda Jean Dearston-High, age 53 of El Dorado Springs, Missouri, passed away suddenly Friday, February 24, 2012 at Citizen's Memorial Hospital, Bolivar, Missouri. Graveside services will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, March 1, 2012 at Appleton City Cemetery, Appleton City, Missouri. Family suggests memorial contributions to New Beginnings, Nevada, Missouri and can be left in care of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton. Fond memories may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

Wanda Jean Dearston-High, the daughter of Gerald and Ruby Hanson-Dearston was born March 27, 1958. At the time of her death she resided in El Dorado Springs, Missouri and was a member of the First Baptist Church there. She was born in Evansville, Indiana and was the 3rd of five children.

Wanda was a unique person who had her own way of expressing herself and dealing with things. She was a very loving and giving person who was willing to give of herself for others. She never forgot a birthday and always made sure to have a gift for the little ones. Her favorite holiday was Christmas and it was important to her that every single family member had a gift from her.

Wanda loved listening to her favorite music oldies, spending time with family and friends, playing cards, and reading her bible. She didn't have her own car in her later years and liked going for drives with her dad and stepmother, Linda. Wanda didn't have children of her own and dearly loved spending time with her nieces and nephews and especially her great nieces and nephews. Her favorite thing in the world was making things for them.

Wanda was preceded in death by her mother, Ruby Eileen Dearston, her maternal grandparents, John and Myrtle Hanson, and her paternal grandparents, Fred and Sally Dearston

She is survived by her father Gerald Dearston and stepmother, Linda of Brownington; her sister Pamela Dearston of Montrose and children Tracy and husband Gary, Clay and wife Sonja, Karissa, and Dylan; sister Brenda Gregory and husband Walt of Appleton City and children Stephanie and husband Mike, Rachelle, Tim and wife Courtney, and stepsons Craig and Ben; sister Vicki Blakely and daughter Megan of Louisiana; brother Jerry Dearston and wife Marie of Harrisonville and children Brittany, Holly, Bryan, and Rhianna. She also leaves 18 great nieces and nephews who will miss her so very much.

Wanda had to deal with health issues throughout her whole adult life and can now rest in peace. We love you Wanda. Your soul is free.
Being long remembered
She's hanging from my soul
She's with our Heavenly Father now.
Alas! She's finally whole
The fear, the pain, the suffering
Has finally gone away.
The tears that fell like rain
Are replaced with sunny days.
Oh what a joyous feeling
To know you're safely home.
Your soul is free in heaven
And with angels there you roam.

Arrangements entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton.