KEENER, Wanalee (Gordon) - b. September 17, 1930 - July 17, 2021

[patyrn]

Wanalee Keener, age 90, passed away July 17, 2021 at Morningstar Care Homes in Fredonia, Kansas.  She was born September 17,  to Albert and Maranda Isabelle (Innis) Gordon in Richmond, Indiana.

Wanalee grew up in Indiana, and while in high school, she met and later married Robert Arthur Lukens.  They later divorced.  Together they had seven children.  In 1963, they moved to Derby, Kansas where Wanalee worked in a cafeteria and a nursing home.  She loved to cook, sew, spend time in the garden, and read many books.  She was also an avid bowler and a member of a bowling league in her younger years.

On April 21, 1990, Wanalee married Robert Keener in Monett, Missouri and gained three stepdaughters and one stepson.  The lived for several years on Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma and later made their home in Fall River, Kansas.

Everyone loved Wanalee.  She always had open arms for any of her children's friends and ultimately for anyone she met.  She never knew a stranger.

Wanda is survived by her husband, Robert Keener; her children, Gary (Lanita) Lukens of Edmond, Oklahoma, Jayne (Sam) Helmkamp of Granby, Missouri, Susie (Billy Ecton, Jr.) Buffalow of Fall River, Kansas, Anne Beal of Wichita, Kansas, Pat (Dave) Dickerson of Shell Knob, Missouri, Robert Lukens of Wichita, Kansas, and Janalee (Bob) Hill of Derby, Kansas; stepchildren, Walt Keener, Keith Keener, R.J. Keener, and LaJunta Martin; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Countryside Funeral Home in Fredonia, Kansas.  A private family graveside service and burial will be held in Indiana at a later date.  A memorial has been established for Morningstar Care Homes, and gifts may be left with Countryside Funeral Home, 420 S. 20th Street, Fredonia, Kansas 66736 which is in charge of arrangements.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)