Wanda Coleene Hoyt was born on March 11, 1937 to Forrest Hoyt and Virginia (Hart) Hoyt. She passed away on the 46th anniversary of her marriage to Wendell Liddell who was with her at the time of her passing.
Wanda was born in Villisca, Iowa, where she lived for the first several years of her life. She was a bright and lively child who brightened the days of all of the neighbors who always commented on her jet black ringlets. As a child, she was lucky to spend time visiting her grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins on the farm near Omaha, Missouri, and Chariton, Missouri.
Most of Wanda’s school years were spent in Unionville, Missouri. Wanda graduated in 1955 as top in her class, having skipped her junior year to start a family. Her academics earned her a scholarship to college in Kirksville.
Over the years Wanda had a variety of jobs outside the home. While the jobs varied, one thing that was constant was her connections with people. She made many friendships at work that lasted for a lifetime. Some of her jobs included a bank teller in Cedar Rapids, a secretary at Winegard Anntennas, working at Hy-Vee in the video department, and also at Hy-Vee Corporate Offices in West Des Moines. After she retired, she went back to work part-time at the Chariton Super 8 and also the Royal Rest Motel. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Russell Historical Building Library.
Wanda had several hobbies she enjoyed. When her children were small, she sewed many clothes for them, a labor of love that her mother had done for her as well. She was such an avid reader that books seemed an extra appendage and she loved games, especially dominoes. She had three little poodles who were cherished companions: Charlie, Bo, and Louie.
Wanda had several opportunities to travel. She traveled to Mexico, West Virginia, Washington, DC, South Dakota, Hawaii, and Ireland. With her husband Wendell, she made numerous trips to Florida and took a cruise to Cabo San Lucas.
Wanda is survived by her husband Wendell, and by her children Ronda Perry-Thorne, Julie Moore and her husband Carl, Mark Pearson and his wife Coleen (McCullough), and Denise Fuller and her husband Jeff. She was preceded in death by son David Porter. Wanda loved her children, her six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Watching their achievements was a great source of pride and joy to her.
She will be lovingly remembered and missed by all who were touched by her life.
A Celebration of Life was held 1:00 pm, Monday, June 29, 2026 at Fielding Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa. Interment was followed by the Celebration of Life at Mt. Hermon Cemetery in Chariton, Missouri. On line condolences may be directed to www.fieldingfuneralhomes.com.
