Luanna Jean Wendler, age 85, passed away peacefully on August 15th, 2023, in Springfield, Missouri.  Luanna was born on January 25th, 1938, in Lawrence, Kansas to John Arthur and Gladys Lucile King.  Luanna was one of two children and is survived by her brother, Darryl King. Luanna was preceded in death by her parents, John and Gladys King, her husband, Gene Wendler, and her daughter, Pam Wendler.

Luanna met and married Gene Wendler at a young age.  Luanna and Gene were married 56 years, until Gene lost his battle with Alzheimers and went to heaven to be with our eternal Savior.  Through his battle, Luanna remained by his side, caring for him until his final breath.  Luanna was an avid servant of the Lord and enjoyed studying the Holy Bible.  Luanna spent her life caring for children.  Luanna owned and operated her own childcare center. Luanna loved children and found great joy in caring for all that entered her home.  Luanna had a true love for people and was always finding ways to help those around her.  Luanna's greatest joy and treasure were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Luanna is survived by 5 children, their spouses, 17 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.  Luanna's children include Mark Wendler and wife Sonya; Steve Wendler and wife Elaine; Renae Cutbirth and husband Jason; Shauna Hurst; Crystal Magers and husband Ryan. Luanna's grandchildren include Breann Morgan and husband Jason; Jordan Jennings and husband Josh, Jenin Humbyrd and husband Aaron; Josh Wendler and wife Whitney; Alauria, Brooke, and Curtis Wendler; Morgan, Westin, and Addison Spencer, Trent Cutbirth; Austin Hurst and wife Emily, Blake Hurst; Larissa Magers, Nyah Stokes, Joslyn and Tristan Magers.  Luanna's great grandchildren include Maddie and Ava Morgan, Drake Jennings, Makinna and McCoy Humbyrd.

Luanna's greatest love was Jesus Christ and she prayed daily that those who did not know him would come to know him soon.  Luanna was a wonderful example of the love of Christ and strived daily to bring joy to others. Luanna will be missed dearly by friends and family, and we are forever grateful for the time that we had with her.  We know that Luanna is reunited with her husband Gene and daughter Pam and that we will see them again someday in heaven.

A service, and inurnment will be held at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery on Friday, September 8th at 10:00 a.m. Friends and family should arrive no earlier than 9:30 a.m. and no later than 9:45 a.m.

Luanna would not miss an opportunity to share the path to salvation.  The Roman Road below provides a detailed map for our salvation and eternal fellowship with God. Just follow these steps:

1. We must acknowledge God as the Creator of everything, accepting our humble position in God's created order and purpose.

Romans 1:20-21:"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened."

2. We must realize that we are sinners and that we need forgiveness. None of us are worthy under God's standards.

Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God."

3. God gave us the way to be forgiven of our sins. He showed us His love by giving us the potential for life through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

4. If we remain sinners, we will die. However, if we repent of our sins, and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will have eternal life.

Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

5. Confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead and you are saved.

Romans 10:9-10: "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

6. Just call upon the name of the Lord and you will be saved!

Romans 10:13: "For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."

7. Determine in your heart to make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life today.

Romans 11:36:  "For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen."

The Roman Road shows you the path – are you ready to accept God's gift of Salvation now? If so, believe in what Jesus Christ did for you on the cross, repent of your sins, and commit the rest of your life to Him.

"Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)