Waneta Mae Lane, 98, of Warrensburg, Missouri passed away peacefully at the Warrensburg Manor Care Center on Monday, February 21, 2022.

She was born on December 16, 1923, in Holden, Missouri. She was the youngest born to W. E. and Ida Mae Bryant. She married Ira L. Lane, Jr. on June 21, 1944. Ira preceded her in death on October 2, 2007. She was the loving and devoted mother of three children, Glenda, Mary, and Charlie.

Waneta always enjoyed doing things with her hands. She loved to cook, garden, sew and help people. She touched many lives—with a word of encouragement, a loaf of bread, instructions about making a dress, or simply listening with empathy. She also dearly loved the Pomeranian that she and Ira acquired after retirement—Lotto Sugar Babe or Sugie as she affectionately became known. And, she loved her flowers and birds!

As World War II got underway, teachers were in short supply, so Waneta attended what was then Central Missouri State Teachers College and received the equivalent of an Associate's Degree in Education. She always liked to be considered a teacher. She applied her teaching skills instructing fourth graders at Holden Elementary School for two years.

After becoming married and starting a family, Waneta worked from home doing tailoring. She altered clothing and made dozens of beautiful wedding dresses and other clothing for people throughout the region. Meanwhile, she and Ira rented out the upstairs bedrooms in their house on Grover Street to as many as six college boys. It was chaotic at times, but Waneta somehow managed to cook, clean, sew, and frequently mentor these college students who were experiencing growing pains. Her goal was to remain at home until the youngest of her children left to attend college. She accomplished that and, in 1974, began working at a new store that had arrived in town—Walmart. In short order, she became the manager of the fabric department and worked at the store she loved until her retirement in 1989. When Sam Walton visited the store, he frequently met with Waneta in her department.

Beyond her love for work, Waneta loved her church. The First United Methodist Church in Warrensburg became her home church in 1955. Her faith in God was strong, and she passed this faith along to not only her own children, but other children who attended the church. Partnering with Doris Houx Kirkpatrick, she taught Sunday school for two-year-olds for 25 years.

Waneta embraced the community in many ways, including through her lifetime membership in the Western Missouri Medical Center Auxiliary, her participation in United Methodist Women, and her involvement with Ira in the Warrensburg Elks Lodge. Waneta loved her many PEO sisters in Chapter CB.

Waneta is survived by her children Glenda (David) Goetz of Warrensburg, Missouri, Mary (Tim) Howard of Warsaw, Missouri, and Charlie (Natasha) Lane of Gainesville, Florida; her grandchildren Chad (Ashleigh) Goetz of Jupiter, Florida, Jeannine (Chris) Wiltse of Overland Park, Kansas, Philip (Lindsey) Howard of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and Grace and Hope Lane of Gainesville, Florida; her great-grandchildren Bryleigh, Addilyn, and Kinsley Wiltse; as well as many nieces, nephews, and too many friends to count.

It would be remiss not to mention the staff at the Warrensburg Manor Care Center who loved Waneta. They were like family to her. During the nearly six years she stayed there, she continued to touch lives. In turn, the staff also touched hers. Waneta's family is grateful for the multitudes of blessings they received during their mother's stay.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 25, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church. A celebration of her life will follow on Saturday, February 26, at the First United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. with the Reverend Peter Norton officiating.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to one of the following: the First United Methodist Church Building Fund, the Western Missouri Medical Center Auxiliary, or the food pantry of your choice.