Wanda Mae Foster

WANDA FOSTER

Wanda Foster departed this world on September 10, 2023, after suffering a severe stroke.  She was born December 27, 1937 in Iowa City, Iowa.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Foster, her parents, Homer and Ina Mae Freeman, Brother, Don Freeman, sister Ellen Thomas and brother-in-law, Louie Thomas.  She is survived by her children Todd (Paige) Foster, Tim (Debi) Foster, and Tami Foster, and her grandchildren Alex Foster, Jessica Rogers and Gary Clark.  She also leaves behind 4 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and countless friends. 

Wanda and Bill were married August 31, 1957, after graduating from Shawnee Mission High School.  In 1964 they moved from the Kansas City area to Warrensburg, MO to open a dry-cleaning business.  Over the years, they ran a flower shop and then a restaurant.   They lived on a “hobby farm” which was a great experience for the family and friends for more than 20 years. They got back into the dry-cleaning business in the mid-1980s, opening dry cleaners in Blue Springs, Independence and Lee’s Summit.  They resided at Lake Tapawingo for more than 30 years and made many friends there.  When Bill passed away in 2011, Wanda went from bookkeeper to CEO, running the entire dry-cleaning operation until the sale of the business in 2022.  Bill and Wanda shared a great life together, enjoying many friends, sharing great experiences and spending countless hours at their place on Truman Lake (that woman could catch fish).  Wanda could be a bit shy at times, but to know her was to love her.  She was a great wife, mom, friend, and a very caring and generous person to all, often lending a hand to so many in need.  Words cannot express what she meant to those who loved her or how much she will be missed. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, September 22, 2023.  Visitation will be from 5:00 to 6:00 pm and the Service will be from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at the Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Avenue, Independence, MO.  Immediately following, there will be a reception at the Lake Tapawingo Club House, 244 Dockside Drive. 

The family asks that any donations go to Wayside Waifs, the KC Pet Project or your local animal shelter in Wanda’s name. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel (816) 252-7900).