Mrs. Wanda Lorene (Cox) Chritton, a lifelong resident of Willow Springs, passed away early Friday morning, November 29, 2019 at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains. She was born June 11, 1942 to Glen and Thelma Cleo (Norris) Cox in Willow Springs, MO and was 77 years old.
Wanda grew up and attended elementary school at Stony Point. She then went on to attend Willow Springs High School, graduating with the Class of 1960. After her graduation, she married the love of her life, Clarence Chritton, on August 13, 1960 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Willow Springs and to this union three children were born. Wanda was well known for the many years she was employed at Town & Country Supermarket as a checker in both Willow Springs and Houston, MO. Wanda was known for her quick wit, her gift of “gab,” and her ability to charm. She had many interests in life and made friends easily. Over the years she was a devoted crafter and was very talented at anything she attempted. She spent many hours in her sewing room, surrounded by her collection of fabric, doing machine embroidery, and making quilt tops. She also had a passion for crocheting and some of her favorite times were spent caring for her little dog “Muffy.” She will be greatly missed by her family, her many friends, and all who loved her.
Wanda is preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Mark Allen; three brothers: Kenneth, Ervin, and Larry Joe Cox and also by two nephews: Greg and Grant David Cox.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Clarence; a daughter, Debbie Russell and her husband, Jay; a son, Mike Chritton and Becky (Stringer) Jesse; grandchildren: Stefanie Hobson and her husband, Matt; Chantel North and her husband, Scott; and Hannah Russell, all of Willow Springs; Hayley White and her husband, Austin of Twin Bridges, and Dallas Chritton and Shilee Ballard of Rogersville. Further surviving are six great-grandchildren: Natalie and Finley Hobson, Dallas North, Brayden and Dawson White, and Brooklyn Chritton. Further survivors include three sisters: Louise Simon of Mountain View, Janice Gregory of Willow Springs, Glenda Verlander and her husband, Tom of Republic; two brothers: Clifford Cox and his wife, Louise of West Plains; Grant Cox and his wife, Mary Ann of Springfield; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.
A family night/visitation will be held Monday, December 2, 2019 from 6:00 –8:00 P.M. at Willow Funeral Home, LLC with a graveside service Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at Nease Cemetery with Pastor Doug Brower officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to be made in her memory to the Nease Cemetery Fund and may be left at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. Online condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com
