Wanda Lu passed to her eternal rest after a long, loving and happy life. She is survived by her devoted husband, Elmer, of 69 years. Wanda and Elmer shared trials, joys, successes and travels with Elmer's career in the United States Air Force. Together and apart they lived in different states and countries, growing their family from Texas, though Oklahoma, New Mexico, South Dakota, England, Germany and Mississippi.

Wanda is survived by eight children: Judith Lee Morris and husband Bruce, Pamela Kay Nemeth, Elmer Louis Bright, Jr. (Sonny), Nathan Earl Bright II and wife Vickie, Michael Ray Bright and wife Linda, Jeffrey Lynn Bright and wife Kathy, Donna Lu Bright, Kristall Jo Bright and partner Kay, and including 17 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. Wanda is also survived by her brother Ted Myers and sister Patsy Leach, and an extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Wanda was born in St. Louis Missouri to Lewis and Ruby Myers and later the family moved to Oklahoma. Wanda grew up with her brothers Bud, Ted, Dan and sisters Tillie and Patsy and together they played music and sang beautiful harmonies.

Wanda was a loving mother. Her children were her focus and she was always there for us. She was a great listener, always making time to comfort, encourage, praise, teach, and most of all, love her children. Mom was a loving wife who supported, encouraged and most of all, loved Elmer.

Wanda enjoyed many activities throughout her life. She was a talented, artistic woman who sang beautifully, liked to tap and square dance. She excelled at drawing, particularly Disney and cartoon characters for her children's birthday parties and school functions. Wanda volunteered her time to many varied activities. She was a scout troop leader, a candy-striper, PTA member, and was active in the Eastern Star.

Wanda also worked as a child care provider, a baker, a seamstress, and traveled with Elmer as they worked on the carnival after Elmer's retirement.

Mom's hobbies included sewing and she often made beautiful quilts and other items. She liked to read, work crosswords, jigsaw puzzles and play card and other games with her family and friends.

In the 1940s, Wanda & Elmer were married on Christmas day 1942 and lived in Del Rio, Texas where Judi was born. They moved to Oklahoma City and the next three children, Pam, Sonny and Nathan, were born. In the 1950s, Wanda and Elmer lived in Roswell, New Mexico where Mike was born. They were transferred to South Dakota where Jeff was born. They then were transferred to England where Donna was born. During their time in England Wanda was involved in the sport of archery and was awarded the Eastern European Women's Archery Championship. In England they made life long friends, Ron and Gillian Rogers and Malcolm and Georgia "Mike" Heiser. In the 1960s, they were transferred to Germany where Kristall was born. Wanda learned enough German to engage all her children in the local culture and this is where they met lifelong friends Sulev and Margrieta Sepp. Also, this was the time Wanda & Elmer enjoyed their square dancing activities. After Germany, they moved to Mississippi where Wanda was involved in musical theater, performing in the Sound of Music, the King and I and Cavalleria Rusticana along with some of her children. There they met lifelong friends Connie and Stan Kauffman. They then moved back to Oklahoma for a few years and then to Texas. In the 1970s, with Elmer retired, Wanda and Elmer moved back to Oklahoma where Wanda engaged in her favorite activities, baking and sewing. Wanda was a cake decorator making many wedding cakes for family and friends. She also began making quilts, pillows and quillows. In the 1980s, Mom sang with the Sweet Adelines choral group in Oklahoma City. She and Elmer then moved to Arizona to live and enjoy the beautiful southwest desert where they lived until 2005 when they moved back to Oklahoma.

So we come to the end of their travels, but not the end of the story. Wanda will be remembered with love by her large, extended family and many friends. Her legacy will live forever with her children, and especially with her soul mate and life long companion, Elmer. We miss you Mom. All our love, Elmer and children.