Wanda Rich, at 85 years of age, entered into rest on August 28, 2012, in Ripon, CA. She began her life in Howe, Oklahoma, the daughter of Roy and Ila Boswell, the eldest of nine children. Wanda joins Kenneth Rich, her beloved husband of 62 years, in heaven.
Mrs. Rich is survived by her two children Sharelyn Dietz (Harry) of Manteca and Fred Rich (Susan) of Oakdale. She was blessed with five grandchildren: Erin Nussbaumer (Jeff), Nathan McKinley (Jodie), Jill Dougherty (Jason), Sarah Rich and Kenneth Rich. Seven great grandchildren nicknamed her GiGi, for great grandmother. Her eighth great-grandchild is due this January. Additionally, Wanda has eight younger siblings who survive her: Herb Boswell, Bonnie McCrary, Don Boswell, Joe Boswell, Bill Boswell, Mary Sue Slayton, Pat Smith, and Dan Boswell.
Wanda and Ken raised their children in Tracy, CA, where she worked first as a lab technician for the H. J. Heinz Company and then later, with her husband, for the Tracy Defense Depot. While there, they helped to build the Tracy Church of the Nazarene. After retiring from the Depot, she and her husband moved to Manteca and became members of the Manteca Church of the Nazarene. She led small groups of women
through the Explorer’s Bible Study for many years. She was a long-time member of the Banta Horsemen’s Club and the Wampum Hill Trailer Village. Wanda enjoyed being outdoors, especially when camping with family and pulling weeds in her yard. With Wanda, family was always first; she loved feeding visiting relatives and sending them home with armloads of food and advice. Wanda will be remembered for her years of service to her church, her fresh fruit cobblers, and her willingness to babysit generations of children.
P. L. Fry & Son Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Rich family. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 4, 2012, from 11 AM to 1 PM, and the service will immediately follow at 1 PM. Both events take place at the Fry Funeral Home, 290 North Union Road in Manteca. Wanda will be laid to rest at the East Union Cemetery, across the street, afterwards. An online guest book is available at www.plfryandson.com (search obituaries)
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, September 1, 2012
