Wanda Mae Rhodes, 88, of Bethany, Oklahoma passed away November 27, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Wanda Mae Rhodes was born on a farm near Hart, Texas to Olen L. Rhodes and Nellie M. Reynolds on February 9, 1930. The fourth of six children, she loved family and felt blessed to have devoted Christian parents who led by example, instruction, and prayer. The family attended a small Nazarene church where she received Christ when five years old. This began a life of ever-increasing love for God and a desire to know and serve Him. Most of her schooling was in Hart, Texas. She enjoyed riding a horse to school and she had many friends. Her family moved to Albuquerque in 1946 where Wanda completed her last two years of high school. She remembered those as difficult years; "just a simple country girl in a big city school." Wanda attended Bethany Peniel College 1948-1952. She excelled in all sports and became a student athletic director. She became a leader in student government and the home economics department. Ever growing in her walk with the Lord, her college yearbook stated, "She always maintains dignity and consideration for others and typifies consecrated, down-to-earth Christianity." From 1952-1960, Wanda taught Home Economics at Northwest Nazarene College, Nampa, Idaho. During this time, she earned a masters at Oregon State College and developed a womens sports program. In 1960-1962, Wanda obtained her doctorate in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) at Indiana University. Then, in 1962, she was recruited by Bethany Nazarene College to teach Home Economics and to develop a womens sports program. Over the next 32 years, Wanda developed and became Chair of the HPER Department. She also served as Dean of Women, and coach of SNU womens tennis and basketball. In 1994, following retirement, she continued to be an instructor for the summer sports camps and for students doing independent study. Wandas involvement spread beyond SNU. She served on staff at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene. She helped start the Reaching Our City (ROC) ministry in Bethany. She served on the Board of the YMCA in Bethany. During all her years in Bethany she used her "wilderness" property for church, college, and family activities. A favorite for many children was her Outdoor Adventure Camps in the summer. She also served on the OKC Tennis Association Board and the Oklahoma and American Associations of HPER. Wanda was awarded many honors including SNU Outstanding Alumnus, Heritage Award, and SNU Sports Hall of Fame. She was listed in Whos Who of American Woman. Excelling in Tennis, she won many local and regional championships. Wanda lived life to the fullest. Although she never married or had children, she loved children and her gentle spirit won the hearts of virtually all children who met her. In fact, it is fair to say that Wanda touched the lives of thousands of people over several generations. Humble and godly, Wanda wrote at age 77: "I am not wise, but I know where the source of wisdom is. I am not sufficient for these things, but I know the All Sufficient One. So, I am committed to ask not for easier tasks, but for Greater Grace." It has been a privilege to have celebrated 77 birthdays, to continue to learn, to work with children, to serve others, and to continue this incredible journey seeking His Will" Wanda continued church and community involvement right up to the last two weeks of her life. She will be missed by many who knew and loved her. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Olen and Nellie; four brothers: Woodie Lee, Elton D., Bertus, and Ken; and sister, Wilma Lynn Shull. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as extended family. Memorials may be given to: Southern Nazarene University for a scholarship in memory of Dr. Wanda M. Rhodes. Viewing will be Friday, 9am to 9pm, with family present from 6-8pm at Mercer-Adams. Funeral services will be 2:00pm, Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene (please use the SW foyer entrance). Burial will follow in Bethany Cemetery. Arrangements are by Mercer-Adams Funeral Home. Visitation with Family Present Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Friday, November 30, 2018 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 3925 North Asbury Avenue Bethany, Oklahoma 73008 Viewing Friday, 9am-9pm at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Bethany First Church of the Nazarene Saturday, December 01, 2018 2:00 PM 6789 N.W. 39th Expressway Bethany, Oklahoma 73008