Wanda Louise Kieffaber

Wanda Louise Kieffaber, a beloved and cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died January 21, 2022 at the age of 92 in Aultman Hospital, Canton, Ohio following complications from Covid 19. Wanda was born on October 17, 1929, the youngest of four children, to Phillip and Grace Lawrence in Wooster, Ohio. She was predeceased by sisters Eva (March 18, 1923) and Eileen (October 16, 2005).

Wanda attended Beall Avenue grade school, Wooster Junior High School, and graduated in 1947 from Smithville High School.  In her post-academic career, Wanda was employed at Wooster Preserving, Walker Shoe Store, Bond Shoe Store, Akron Brass, Lake Buckhorn Property Owners’ Association, and was the secretary and office manager of the Millersburg office of Southeastern Ohio Legal Services. Wanda also owned and operated, with husband Marvin, Spare Time Lanes bowling alley in Millersburg for 16 years. She and Marv were also the owners of the Millersburg Floral Shop, where she was a floral designer.

Wanda married Marvin F. Kieffaber on January 23, 1953. Marvin and Wanda were the proud parents of Gary, Mary (Edward) O’Farrell, Ann (Greg Grambush), and Dan (Tabitha). Sadly, Gary died on November 6, 2013, Marv on April 27, 2015, and Ann on January 12, 2018.

Wanda’s grandchildren, Joshua (Christin) O’Farrell, Green, OH; Meghan (David Casado) O’Farrell, Madrid, Spain; Bridget (Steve) Frantz, Wooster, OH; and Katie Kieffaber, Millersburg brought immeasurable joy to her life. Her great-grandchildren, Liam and Jameson O’Farrell, Rafael (Rafa) Casado O’Farrell; and Luke, Olivia and Colleen Frantz occupied a special place in her heart. Wanda is survived by her older sister, Phyllis (Polly) Betz, Glen Mills, PA, 98 years of age, and numerous nieces and nephews.

At the center of her life, in addition to her family, was her Christian faith. Wanda was a dedicated and committed member of Faith Lutheran Church in Millersburg since 1961. She was active in the Women’s Circles, taught Sunday School, and channeled her life-long love of music as director of the junior and senior choirs for many years. Wanda especially enjoyed singing with the church group known as the Grace Notes. She was also a member of the “lunch bunch” visiting shut-ins and going to lunch afterwards. She was a volunteer at Save and Serve in Millersburg.

Anyone who had the distinct and unique pleasure of meeting Wanda will never forget her easy and infectious laugh. She was a woman of principled convictions and committed to justice and equality for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, or political persuasion. Notwithstanding decades of heartbreak and frustration, Wanda was a proud and diehard Browns and Cavs fan.

Wanda’s family thanks the many frontline healthcare workers at Pomerene Hospital in Millersburg and Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio who cared so compassionately and competently for her during her struggle with Covid 19. Their dedication and compassion will never be forgotten by her family. They are true modern day “heroes.”

A celebration of Wanda’s life will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Millersburg at a later date.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.