Wanda Lou (Sallee) Carras, 89, passed away peacefully in her home on September 20, 2022.

Wanda was born February 8, 1933 in Ava, MO to Joe and Tessie Sallee. She grew up in small town Ava in what Wanda often called an “Age of Innocence” when little girls could ride their bike all over town and catch rides with the milkman with nothing to fear. Wanda graduated from Ava High School and then, Southwest Missouri Teacher’s College, majoring in Physical Education. While in graduate school at the University of MO, she met the love of her life, Nick Carras. They were married in 1955 and enjoyed 57 happy years together, making their home in Springfield, MO.

Wanda taught PE at Roxana, Hillcrest, Parkview High Schools, and Southwest Missouri State University. She also taught swimming lessons for many years in the backyard pool that Nick built. Wanda ran the business side of Carras Creations through which Nick sold his wood carvings, But by far, she devoted most of her love, time, and energy into raising their two daughters, Cathy and Nicki. She was involved in their every activity from 4-H to school events and gymnastics to cheerleading and sports. Wanda was never happier than when her family was happy and achieving their goals.

In her later years, Wanda and Nick built a new house on the back of their property. She enjoyed tending her large flower beds and yard. She took great joy in feeding the birds and watching the wildlife that lived around the house, Wanda faithfully attended her exercise class at the Y three times a week even when she was well past her mid-eighties and twice the age of the other class members. She had a large circle of friends that she kept in touch with through calls, cards, and regular lunch dates. Wanda was always working on some kind of project and was never one to sit still long.

Wanda was proceeded in death by her parents; her husband, Nick Carras, and her brother, Donald Sallee and his wife, Mary Lou. She is survived by her daughters, Cathy Love (Bruce) of Bella Vista, AR and Nicki Gillespie (Dale) of Strafford, MO; grandchildren, Melissa Love of Santa Fe, NM and Travis Gillespie (Katelyn) of Springfield, MO; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A private celebration of Wanda’s life will be announced at a later date, In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or your favorite charity.