Wanda June Pettigrew Buttorff

Wanda June was 88 years when she got her Angel wings and met Jesus face to face. It was Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022 at 9:45 p.m. at the Medicalodge in Butler. She was predeceased by her parents, John Adam Pettigrew, and Edith Bulah Mitchell, as well as her brother, John Doyle Cox; her sister, Vera Armonte Lamb; her daughter, Katrina Lee Johnson; her daughter-in-law, Dawn Renee Buttorff; her granddaughter, Victoria Anne Faith Middleton and her grandson, Steven Dale Middleton, Jr. She is survived by one brother, Grayson Lynn Pettigrew.

Wanda was born in Welsh, LA, on May 24, 1934. After grade school they moved to Mabank, TX, where Wanda went to high school. She was active in sports like basketball and stated that she had a “sweet” 3-point shot. Wanda also participated in the marching band as a Majorette which is a baton twirler. Wanda graduated from Mabank High School on May 25, 1952. Losing her daddy at a young age, the family had to pull together. They moved to Abilene, TX, for Wanda to go to Abilene Christian College. She became exhausted with working two jobs, so three years later she quit and went to become an American Airline Stewardess. She loved the traveling and attained her Gold Wings after six years flying.

During her summers, she and her brother John, enjoyed water skiing and participating in Water Ski Shows. Wanda also had the opportunity to dance on the Lawrence Welk Show in the 50’s. She recalled a memory of playing cards with Sandy Koufax from the Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball team, when she had a layover from flying. Wanda said he was a perfect gentleman and a lot of fun.

It was on one of her trips that she met her future husband, Gordon Stephen Buttorff. He was tall and handsome with a stately manner. She was not instantly smitten, but after the first date he stated he was going to marry her. Wanda said we shall see about that, but as they say the rest is history. They had seven beautiful children with four sons and three daughters. The children and spouses are as follows: Katrina Lee Johnson (Christian Johnson), Gordon Stephen Buttorff, III (Tanya Huckaby), Heather Lynn Brown (Dallas Brown), Christopher Granger Buttorff, Nathaniel David Buttorff (Dana Buttorff), Adam Stuart Buttorff (Dawn Buttorff) and Christanne Colleen Gayman (Dennis Gayman).

Life was not easy for this family. The marriage started with a fire burning up all their wedding gifts in Sleepy Hollow, KY. Gordon and Wanda moved multiple times during the marriage from Kentucky to Indiana to Texas. Gordon was an amazing entrepreneur with multiple side businesses over the years. Gordon’s life was cut short on July 11, 1985. Wanda became a widow with seven children. She was never afraid of a challenge, and hit it head on with going right to work at two jobs. Wanda never remarried because she said “I don’t want another man telling me how to raise my kids”. She had true grit and determination. Life again was difficult, but the kids bonded and worked together to keep the family intact.

Wanda never lost her love of travel. She would be ready to pack her bags at a moment’s notice. She traveled all over Europe with Katrina and Granger. Her zest for life continued until the end. She embraced the grandkids and loved to watch their sports and activities. Anyone that knew her realized she was a cutthroat card player and they had better beware. Wanda was a true patriot and an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The legacy that Wanda leaves behind is continued in her extensive list of grandchildren. The survivors are as follows: Matthew Middleton (JonCatherine Middleton), Lawton Middleton (Melissa Crowley), Christanne Kallepalli (Vamsi Kallepalli), Benjamin Middleton, Michael Middleton, Jesse Brown, Charity Middleton, Cameron Buttorff, Camille Buttorff, Austin Buttorff (AnnaBeth Buttorff), Annastazia Buttorff, Elijah Buttorff, Alexandria Buttorff, Knighton Buttorff, Athens Buttorff, Clay Gayman, Dalton Gayman, Trinity Gayman, Leo Gayman, Evangeline Gayman and Waylon Gayman. She also has two great-grandchildren Addison Wood and Ajin Kallepalli.

Wanda June was a staunch Christian, amazing mother, super grandmother, loving wife, and a fantastic friend. She will be truly missed by everyone that knew her.

Services were held Saturday, Oct. 22, at Ferry Funeral Home,  Nevada with Bro. Grady Davis officiating. Interment followed in Green Lawn Cemetery, Schell City. 

Those who wish may contribute in her memory to the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) c/o Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.