Wanda Lorraine Kimble Showalter, 81, passed away peacefully at her home in Staunton, Virginia, and went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Feb. 15, 2023.
She was born July 16, 1941, at home in Brushy Run (Upper Tract) to the late Olie F. Kimble and Viola Mae Harman Kimble.
Mrs. Showalter was preceded in death by her loving husband, William E. Showalter of Franklin. They were married on Halloween in 1958, in Cumberland, Maryland, enjoying nearly 58 years together. Her husband used to tease he got the “trick” and she got the “treat.” They were Franklin High School sweethearts and together they began their adventures traveling the world as an Air Force family of 20 years. She enjoyed being stationed stateside, so they could be near family and friends, but she loved living overseas in Okinawa and Iceland; relishing the opportunity to travel to Europe.
She collected traditional dolls and spoons from their tours and was known to ask friends and family to “bring her back something” for her collection as they traveled. She always teased her family that she was not ready to leave the military life of travel, so her husband showered her with cruises to the Caribbean, Hawaii and Alaska.
She worked as a church secretary in Naha, Okinawa, and for the Comptroller in Keflavik, Iceland. In more recent years, she worked as the receptionist at Degesch America in Weyers Cave, Virginia, from where she retired.
Mrs. Showalter loved the Lord and actively served in churches each time they relocated. In 1977, she and her husband became members of Memorial Baptist Church where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School to the children, helping in the nursery, working with the ladies in the WMU, studying the Bible with her precious friends in the Joy Sunday School class, and supporting foreign missions.
She was known for her delicious meals and loved trying new recipes out on the family. She cherished the opportunity of hosting the annual Sunday School Christmas party in her home, as well as providing meals to many service men and women during the years.
Surviving are a daughter Velina Phelps (Doug) of Marietta, Ohio; a son, Eric Showalter of Staunton, Virginia; four grandchildren, William White of Houston, Texas, Sean Phelps (Samantha) of Marietta, Ohio, Carrie Phelps of Gallipolis, Ohio, and Christopher White of Fort Mill, South Carolina; three great-grandchildren, Sterling and Sophia Phelps of Marietta, Ohio, Asher White of Fort Mill, South Carolina, and another great-grandson on the way; three sisters, Mildred Riggleman, Elaine Keplinger and Kay Simmons, all of Upper Tract; a brother, Reginald Kimble of Petersburg; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by her dear father-in-law and mother-in-law, Manuel and Anna Racca of Staunton Virginia; an aunt, Kathleen (Katie) Harman of Harrisonburg, Virginia; a brother, Alvin Kimble of Upper Tract; and her sweet cats, Herkie and Tiger.
Funeral services were held Monday at Coffman Funeral Home in Staunton, Virginia, with Pastor Todd Latham officiating. Burial followed at Kline Cemetery in Upper Tract.
Active pallbearers were Aaron Adams, Gary Gough, Glenn Perkins, Sean Phelps, Wesley Simmons and Earl “Pat” Wortman.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah for their care and compassion during her illness with Alzheimer’s.
Memorial donations may be made to Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah, 64 Sports Medicine Drive, Fishersville, Virginia, 22939.
Condolences may be expressed to the family on line at www.coffmanfuneralhome.net.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory was in charge of her arrangements with assistance from Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin.
