Wanda Lou (Hightower) Hill

Wanda Lou was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, friend, and cherished member of her community. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories built through hard work, generosity, and love for her family and friends. Wanda was born in Ash Flat, Arkansas on February 15, 1937, and passed away at 89 years of age on November 3, 2026, in West Plains, Missouri.

She married her husband, Darrell Gill, on August 26, 1953, in Morrison, Illinois.  They were blessed with 53 years of marriage before Darrell passed in 2007.

Wanda took pride in everything she did and was someone others could count on. She spent many years working at Garnett Wood and in the cook shack at Scott’s Salebarn. Much of her life was devoted to raising cattle and working the land, and for a few years, she also raised sheep. In her younger years, she enjoyed riding horses.

Wanda loved growing beautiful flowers and huge elephant ears, and she also tended a large strawberry patch. Her garden reflected the same patience, care, and hard work she brought to the farm and everything else she did.

As a former member of the Koshkonong School Board and a member of numerous school organizations, Wanda devoted much of her time to supporting the school and its students. She cared deeply about the children and enjoyed helping with school activities. She was also a big fan of the Koshkonong parades and loved seeing the community come together. At Christmas time, she delighted in decorating her house and sharing the Christmas spirit with everyone passing by on Highway 63.

Of all the places she spent her time, Wanda loved her kitchen most. There, she made memories with friends and family while cooking and baking things to share with everyone. Her fried pies, fresh sourdough bread, and famous popcorn balls were favorites among those who knew her. Over the years, she made and handed out thousands of popcorn balls to friends and family on Halloween, creating a cherished tradition. The time spent together in her kitchen was as special as the treats they made.

Above all, Wanda treasured her family. She is survived by her son, Larry Gill of St. Louis, Missouri; her daughter, Theresa Lancaster (Ed); her grandchildren, Nathan Gill (Stefani), Crystal Smith (Mathias), and Isaphene Pierce (Cody Howell); and her beloved great-grandchildren, Kinley Sue, Emma Lou, and Scarlete Fern Smith, all of Koshkonong, Missouri, and brother-in-law, Charles Vaughn. She also leaves behind several special nieces and nephews who held a dear place in her heart.

Wanda was blessed with special friends, including Shirley Taylor, Carolyn Jackson, Robbie Warren, Darlene Crews, Tammie Williams, Bonnie Carter, Lonnie and Pat Mills, whose friendships she cherished.

She also held a special place in her heart for the staff and friends she came to know at Cedarhurst and Shepherd’s View. Their kindness and companionship brought her joy along her journey.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Isaphene (Tharp) Hightower; her husband, Darrell Gill; her sister, Sue Vaughn; her sister-in-law, Fern Ellis, who was like a sister to her; and her granddaughter, Charolete Fern Williams.

Wanda will be remembered for her strength, her giving heart, and the care she showed the people, animals, and places she loved. Although her family and friends are heartbroken by her passing, they find comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering and is now at peace. Her memory will live on in the stories shared, the recipes passed down, and the traditions she helped create.

May she rest peacefully, knowing she was deeply loved, greatly appreciated, and will never be forgotten.