Leidy, Wanda 1944-2024 St. Joseph, Mo.

By NewsPress Now

Wanda “Kay” (Stanley) Leidy, 80, St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.

She was born Jan. 27, 1944, to Lawrence and Stella (Hixson) Stanley, in Horton, Kansas. She attended Savannah, Missouri, High School. Kay also worked in retail most of her life, specifically as a gemologist for the local Kay Jewelers. She loved helping people and often volunteered for several church programs throughout her life.

Kay married John Richard Leidy on Dec. 19, 1959, in Troy, Kansas, with whom she raised two sons, John Christopher “Chris” and Matthew “Matt” Paul Leidy. She was a member of First Baptist Church, of Savannah, as well as the Red Hat Society. Kay enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, traveling with the ladies of the Red Hat Society as well as attending mission trips with her church, playing bingo, and shopping. She was known for having the biggest heart, which led to her always expressing her emotions in the most grandiose of ways. Kay was happiest when surrounded by loved ones, reminiscing and making new memories.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence Paul “Hop” and Stella (Hixson) Stanley.

Survivors include her spouse of 65 years, John R. Leidy; sons, Chris (Shellie) Leidy and Matt Leidy; grandchildren, Derrick and Michael Leidy, Kelsea (Josh) Ezzell, Nicholas “Nick”, and Noah Leidy; great-grandchildren, Nevaeha, Julias, and Jakari Leidy, and Magnolia and Dagger Ezzell.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, in Savannah, at 500 E. Pawnee St., Savannah. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.