Elwanda Ann McCollum Latta was born in Mountainburg, Arkansas on March 12th, 1922 and departed this life at the age of 95 on February 19th, 2018. Her mother Eva Ethel Rich (nee Hall), and father Lee Thomas Rich moved their family to Oklahoma when Elwanda was very young, by way of the Arkansas River ferry at present day Ft. Smith. Eva and Lee would eventually settle in the Horn community, where Elwanda attended school and church with her eight sisters and one brother. They became a welcome presence to the community. She is preceded in death by her parents, one brother, and two sisters, loved sons: Jackey Wayne Anderson and Larry Rex McCollum. She is survived by: daughters Wanda Faye Latta and Evalyn Gail Lee, six living sisters: Lorene, Greta, Margie, Erma, Meg, and Wilma, who she loved dearly.
Elwanda delighted in her nine grandchildren: Carl, Teresa, Cindy, Raymond, Lisa, Amanda, Robby, Ronny, and Rob. She played an instrumental role in their lives and all owe Elwanda much of who they grew up to be. Her love extended to the lives of their spouses and their families. One of her favorite things to say was "I love all my grands and my great-grands and my great great-grands". Elwanda brought warmth and kind-heartedness to all of those close to her. Her actions revealed a fierce determination in the face of adversity and never allowed her age to slow her down. Perhaps most importantly, she displayed an irrevocable faith in Jesus Christ and she instilled that faith to her family. Elwanda was always a believer in being an industrious and faithful steward of God's blessings. Elwanda actually retired twice, first from Stilwell Foods and secondly Maryetta School. She lived a full life and made many friends along the way. Her quilting kept her busy long after retirement, going into business first with her sister Opal, and later her two daughters. There is truly much joy in heaven, when a saint such as Elwanda, is called home.
Funeral services were held at 10 am on Monday, February 26, 2018 at Roberts/Reed-Culver Chapel, Stilwell, OK with Bro. Charles Crozier officiating. Interment followed at Stilwell City Cemetery.
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