Wanda Jean (Ayres) Epperson, age 82, of Independence, passed away Monday, June 5, 2023, at her home in Gravois Mills at the Lake of the Ozarks. She was born October 13, 1940, in Independence, Missouri, daughter of the late Nelson Powell and Leona Gertrude (Grinham) Ayres. She leaves behind her husband and lifelong love, Robert C. Epperson.
She loved living at the lake and was happiest spending time with her family boating, waterskiing, and riding her wave runners or simply on her raft in the lake. She had a love of family that was never-ending She felt most at home in the water and was truly fulfilled when teaching children how to swim and waterski and drive and care for boats and watercraft. Wanda was a member of the Red Hat Society and enjoyed the time she spent with her friends as well. She was a true and devoted friend to many, and this was perhaps evidenced most clearly by her daily conversations and card games with her lifelong best friend of over 75 years, Jane Couch. Wanda was a graduate of William Chrisman High School Class of 1958.
In addition to her husband, Robert, she is survived by her brother, Nelson Douglas Ayres and wife Christy of Parker, Colorado; her sons, Robert T. Rayburn of Peculiar, Missouri and Nelson Curtis Rayburn and wife Cheryl of Shawnee, Kansas; step-son, David Epperson and wife Jodi of Blue Springs, Missouri; grandchildren, Aaron Rayburn (Sarah), Trevor Rayburn, Katelyn Rayburn, Matthew Rayburn (Sirel),
and Shelby Rayburn; 23 great-grandchildren and step grandchildren, Angie Hansen (Jeff), Kristen Dawson (Joseph), Natasha Weiss, Crystal Weiss; and many other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Karen Rayburn, Stepson, Scott Epperson and step-granddaughter, Melissa Epperson.
A celebration of Wanda’s life will be held on June 17 at:
Mount Moriah Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home
10507 Holmes Road
Kansas City, Missouri 64131
Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.dignitymemorial.com and www.kidwellgarber.com. Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.
A Visitation for Wanda will be held Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a Memorial Service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mtmoriah.net for the Epperson family.
