Wanda L. Howard, 82, of rural Akron, went home at 8:59 p.m., Monday, July 27, 2020, at her residence.

Wanda was born on May 31, 1938, in Hazelgreen, Mo. to the late Orla Ray and Anna (Levine) James. She married on June 17, 1962, in Crawfordsville, in the Nazarene Church to Dr. J. Arthur “Jerry” Howard, he survives.

She was a graduate of Alamo High School in 1955. She furthered her education at Greenville College in Greenville, Ill. with a Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education. Wanda then attained her Master’s Degree from Purdue University in 1974.

She was a school teacher for Crawfordsville (Montgomery County) and the Carroll County Schools for many years. Then in 1965 she and her husband moved to Leiters Ford where she taught for Culver Schools until she retired in 2001.

She was a member of the Akron United Methodist Church for over 50 years. Wanda was known as an accomplished musician playing the marimba in countless conventions, Youth for Christ Rallies, and churches across the US and Canada. She also played the vibraharp and piano.

She is survived by her husband; her sons: Jonathan (Bethany) Howard, Warsaw; James Theodore (Mitchell Ligotino) Howard, Raleigh, N.C.; grandchildren: Luke, David, Tommy; brother: Rev. Bob (Jean) James, Rensselaer.

She was preceded by her parents and a sister, Onalee James

The funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Aug. 3, at Hartzler Funeral Home 305 West Rochester Street Akron, Indiana with Pastor David Eaton and Rev. Dale Howard officiating. For the health of all in attendance masks will be required follow the state mandate.

Burial will take place following the service in the Athens (Mount Hope) Cemetery, Athens, Indiana.

Visitation hours will be from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 2, at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron.

Donations can be made in her memory to the Akron United Methodist Church or to Kindred Hospice.