Wanda Lee Bethel, age 96 of Joplin, Mo, passed away peacefully at Wildwood Senior Living on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Wanda was born on August 21,1928 in Kingston, Arkansas, to the late John Earl and Flossie (Weathers) Ramsey.

Wanda graduated from Mt. Grove High School with the class of 1945. Upon graduation she attended business college in Arkansas. She moved to Columbia, Mo, to work for the University of Missouri then returning to Mountain Grove, Mo to work for the Division of Family Services. Wanda retired from the Webb City Water Department where she worked for 15 years.

On March 13, 1954, Wanda married Lloyd Ray Bethel, and he passed away in October of 2014. They shared 60 years together.

To this union came their only child Julie Cox and her husband Fred Cox of Joplin, two grandsons, Graham Cox and his wife Brittany of Webb City, and Garrett Cox of Joplin, Mo. Additionally Wanda is preceded in death by her brothers, Ray and Ralph Ramsey.

There are no services planned at this time.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.