Wanda Stanton

Wanda (Whaley) Stanton, 89, of Kentland, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at George Ade Memorial Health Care Center of Brook. Born on March 11, 1936, in Brook, she was the daughter of the late William “Bill” and Edith Violet (Corbin) Whaley. Wanda was a 1954 graduate of Brook High School.

Wanda's life was filled with love and dedication to her family and friends. She was first married to Robert Spurlock, with whom she had four children. After their divorce, she married Arthur J. Stanton, who preceded her in death in 2006. Wanda was a member of the United Methodist Church and worked in various roles throughout her life, including as a telephone operator for the town of Kentland, a secretary at Better Coil & Transformers, and a machine operator at Perpak of Brook. Although she never held the title of nurse or aid, Wanda was a caretaker for countless friends and family members throughout the years. Her true care and compassion for others will be greatly missed.

Wanda had a passion for music and dancing and was an avid sports fan, particularly of basketball, football, and NASCAR. Her favorite driver was Kyle Busch, and she proudly displayed a life-size cardboard cutout of him in her living room. Wanda cherished her annual vacations to Old Bridge Village in North Ft. Myers, Florida, where she made many lifelong friends.

She is survived by her children, Rodney Spurlock of Goodland, LuAnne (Kent) Gross of Earl Park, Bonnie Lanning of Remington, and Bill (Theresa) Spurlock of Goodland, along with her 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husbands, parents, siblings Pauline Ekstrom, James Whaley, and Phillip Whaley, one grandchild and one great-grandchild. She is also preceded in death by a niece, Anita Ekstrom.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 AM (CST) until the time of the Funeral Service at 1:00 PM (CST) on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Stitz-Clapper Funeral Home of Kentland, officiated by Rev. Sue Spurlin. Interment will follow in Fairlawn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Wanda to Riley Hospital for Children.