Wanda Kay (Thornburg) Mercer

Wanda Kay Mercer, 78, of rural Columbus, was called to her heavenly home at 9:58 p.m. Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at Ascension Via Christi Hospital.

She was born May 4, 1944 in Columbus, Kansas, the daughter of Fred and Mabel (Walker) Thornburg. She graduated from Columbus High School.

On June 29, 1962, she was united in marriage to Ronnie Mercer, and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Wanda served as the Director of Volunteers at Mt. Carmel and Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg for 16 years. She was also a volunteer and instructor at the Pittsburg YMCA.

Wanda devoted herself to her religion and the people around her. She enjoyed many years of dedicated service to Glittering Stones and Cherokee County 4-H, Lions Club of Pittsburg, Ascension Via Christi Auxiliary, and inducted into the Pittsburg YMCA Hall of Fame in 2018.

Membership was held in the First Christian Church of Columbus and Associates of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

She is survived by her husband, Ronnie Mercer of the home; a daughter, Tammy Mercer of Campbell, New York; Randy (Christy) Mercer of rural Galena, Kansas and Rex (Sandy) Mercer of rural Columbus; two sisters, Pat Stice of Oswego, Kansas and Debbie Turner of Iola, Kansas; five grandchildren, Randi (Dustin) Wiley, Elizabeth “Beth” (Dexter) Jones, Grady Mercer, Garett (Taylor) Mercer, and Cass (Lexia) Mercer; and 5 great-grandchildren, Weston, Sawyer, Tripp, Alaric, and Stocktin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant sister, Cuba Jean Thornburg and a sister, Thelma Martin.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the First Christian Church in Columbus, Kansas with Chaplain Pete Mayo officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time.      .  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Mt. Carmel Volunteer Association, Lions Club of Pittsburg, or Pittsburg YMCA. These may be left in care of Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS  66762.  Friends may also leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com.

She leaves us with her favorite verse, Deuteronomy 31:6.  "Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you."

Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary.

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