Wanda Jean Somers Chauvin

Wanda Jean Somers Chauvin, 93, passed away October 9, 2017, at Presbyterian Manor in Lawrence, Kansas.

Wanda was born in Leavenworth, Kansas on February 8, 1924, to William and Maude (Trackwell) Somers, growing up as one of nine siblings on a 320-acre farm and graduating from Jarbalo High School in 1941. In 1942 she began working as a secretary at North American Aviation in Kansas City, where she met Roy Chauvin. Wanda and Roy were married in 1943, and after his service in the Navy during World War II, they settled in Kansas City, Kansas, where they would raise their three children.

Wanda focused her talents on the home, caring for her children and managing her family’s activities and finances. She loved family life, serving in her church, sewing, playing piano, gardening, cooking, volunteering, and simply being with people. She was an active member of White Church Christian Church in Kansas City, serving in many capacities including as President of the Kansas Chapter of the Christian Women’s Fellowship. She later worked as an assistant librarian, a secretary, and a property office manager. After retiring in 1989, she moved with Roy to Lawrence, Kansas. In 2003 she completed a detailed memoir of her early life on a turn-of-the-century Midwestern farm. For the past four years, she was lovingly cared for by the staff of Presbyterian Manor.

Whether it was for family, friends, neighbors, churches, or schools, throughout her life Wanda selflessly volunteered her and time and talents to help others. She will be earnestly missed for her youthful spirit, witty humor, kindness, and faith.

She is preceded in death by her husband Roy Chauvin; her parents William and Maude (Trackwell) Somers; her sisters Opal, Grace, Beulah, Lois, and Elizabeth; and her brothers Floyd, William, and Charles.

She is survived by her son Kenneth (and Marie) Chauvin, Karen (and Travis) High, and Keith (and Terri) Chauvin; her grandchildren Glen Schmidt, Gary Schmidt, Kyle Chauvin, and Katharine (Chauvin) Fry; her great grandchildren Jessalyn (Schmidt) Bray, Cameron Schmidt, Kagan Schmidt, and Jensen Schmidt; and her great great grandson Leland Bray.

Visitation and service at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, Saturday, October 14th – visitation at 10:00 a.m., followed by service at 11:00 a.m.

Contributions may be made to the Presbyterian Manor Resident Council Employee Christmas Fund and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

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