Wanda Grim

Wanda Hopper Grim, 93, died Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, at Auburn Creek Assisted Living in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Sept. 7, 1926, at home to Frank and May Hopper of Cape Girardeau.

At age 15, she met her best friend and love of her life, Orville Grim. Two years later, they were married Jan. 10, 1944.

Survivors include children, James Sr. and Martha Grim of Parker, Texas, Janice Renee Copeland of Cape Girardeau, Jay Grim of Cape Girardeau and a foster daughter, Linda Stapleton of Fenton, Missouri; grandchildren, Jason Copeland, James Grim Jr. and Robert Grim, Dustin and Miranda Grim and Roxann Haynes and Derek Stapleton; great-grandchildren, Marissa Wilcut, Alix Copeland and Nathan Huskey; sister, Martha Bertrand of Cape Girardeau; brother, Harvey Hopper of Paducah, Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews.

Orville was a military man and would move frequently when he changed duty stations. As a result, when he would go to a new station, she would follow. During their long marriage, they moved more than 50 times.

Wanda was a member of Hobbs Chapel United Methodist Church, where she once served as a Sunday school teacher and a Sunday school secretary for 30 years. She was a past member of the UMW.

While living in Columbus, Georgia, she worked for the American Red Cross. She had been a nurse at Southeast Hospital and Cape LaCroix Nursing Home.

She and Orville started the Senior Citizens Club at Ford D in Cape Girardeau in 1964.

Wanda made many friends during her long life. One of those very special, close-to-your-heart friends was Joyce Farrow. Joyce was someone who understood her ups and downs in a way few people could. She was truly glad for her and was there to listen when there was something new to tell. She was also by her side when there was mischief to be had. Joyce was that "call on me any time for any purpose" friend from grade school until Wanda's death.

Orville made his final journey to be with his heavenly father Oct. 3, 2003. The family believes he came back for a moment to take Wanda home for her final move.

A graveside service was Monday at Hobbs Chapel Cemetery in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Janet Hopkins officiating.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.