Wanda Mae Tyson

Wanda was born to William and Velva (Dysart) Baker on February 25, 1932, in Springfield, Missouri. She was raised in Springfield and graduated from Springfield High School in 1949. Wanda married Robert M. Lane in 1950. Together they had five children: Benita, Kaye, Linda, Jeffery, and Charles. She and Robert moved to Wichita, Kansas, in the 1950's for Robert to work in the housing industry alongside of Wanda's father.

Wanda was a very skilled seamstress. She specialized in wedding apparel -- not only beautiful wedding dresses, but the gowns, headdresses, suits, and accessories for the entire wedding party. The more bling, the better, as she loved sequins, beads, rhinestones and glitter. Wanda could create attire from just about anything you would give her. She made patterns from brown paper bags, and beautiful suit jackets from discarded drapery fabric. Wanda worked at fabric stores for most of her early years. She also worked for high-end dress shops doing alterations, and would take personal alteration jobs as well. Her skill and love of creative sewing, as well as her love for bling, took her to working for Music Theater of Wichita. She started as a volunteer and worked there for about 25 years. She created costumes for the stage, and took great pride in the creations she would see during performances. She very much loved her 'theater family' and developed close personal relationships with performers, directors, and creators from all over the US.

Wanda married Ross G. Tyson in 1984. Together they were very active in 'Camping Squares' and West Side Steppers square dance clubs. They served as Treasurer and President during their long-term tenure. They traveled the US with the Camping Squares, camping and square dancing, for many years until Ross fell ill. They performed at local events and made many long term friendships through their square dancing. Of course, Wanda made all of their matching outfits, with her flouncy skirts and petticoats, with all the embellishments, sparkle and bling.

Wanda also loved to travel. She had a special love for Hawaii in which she visited numerous times. She was adventurous, going on an African safari, and traveling to many foreign countries such as the Panama Canal, Europe, Australia, Tanzania, and Nicaragua.

Wanda is preceded in death by her parents William and Velva Baker; sister Joan (Baker) Crocker; nephew Randy Crocker; husbands Robert M. Lane and Ross G. Tyson.

She is survived by: daughters Benita Lane-Criman (Tracy), Kaye Shuck (Ron), Linda Yearout (Steve); sons Jeffery Lane (Estelle) and Charles Lane; seven grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; her long-term companion Norman Roelfs; nephew Darrell Crocker (Becky), her beloved canine companions Mimi and Butch, cousins, nieces and nephews, and numerous friends. Her vibrant personality will be missed by many.

A celebration of life service will be held Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 3:00 PM inside the chapel of Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. Hwy 54, Wichita, Kansas 67209.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Wanda's honor to Music Theatre Wichita, 225 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67202.