VanVacter, Wanda 1946-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.

Wanda (Turpin) VanVacter, 78, of St. Joseph, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, at Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph. She was born May 12, 1946, in Robinsville, North Carolina, daughter of Rosie Turpin and David Birchfield. She graduated from Mainland Senior High School, in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1964, where she met her future husband Don. On May 8, 1965, she married Donald VanVacter in St. Joseph. In high school Wanda was a part of the school swimming team and was Runner-Up for Miss Daytona Beach. Wanda worked at Sherwood Medical and Johnson Controls. She was a devoted lifelong Christian and was an active member of King Hill Christian Church.

Wanda’s hobbies consisted of candle making, crafting and taking care of her plants. She owned Wanda’s Candle Room, where she shared her love of candles with many.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; son, Matthew VanVacter; and infant daughter, Dawn Renee’.

Survivors include husband of nearly 60 years, Donald Van Vacter Jr., of the home; children, Deborah (Victor) Flores, Sherri Gutierrez, Tonya VanVacter, Aaron Van Vacter, all of St. Joseph; brother, David Birchfield Jr., of Robinsville; sisters-in law, Connie (Bobby) Heflin and Michelle (Greg) Yelton; eight grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, at Rupp Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday. Pastor Rich Piper officiating. Ms. VanVacter will be cremated following services. Inurnment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery at later date. Memorials are requested to the Wanda VanVacter Memorial Fund, c/o Rupp Funeral Home.

Online condolences, obituary and public live stream at www.ruppfuneral.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.