Wanda J. Close, 86, of Iola, Kansas, passed away Sunday, November 3, 2013, at the Moran Manor. Wanda was born August 7, 1927, in Fredonia, Kansas, the daughter of Archie and Lura (Mozingo) Owen. She grew up at Parsons and graduated from Parsons High School in 1945. She worked as a switchboard operator for Southwestern Bell Telephone. On August 21, 1949, Wanda married Patrick C. Close. They made their home in Parsons before moving to Humboldt. In 1954, they moved to Iola. They ran C & S Sales Co. and she worked as the bookkeeper for the company. They retired and moved to Grove, Oklahoma. Mr. Close preceded her in death April 15, 1998 and she returned to Iola later that year. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Iola. SURVIVORS: 3 Children: Douglass Close of Pensacola, FL, Rex Close & wife, Linda of Iola, KS and Janet Close of Pensacola, FL 1 Brother: Rev. Melvin D. Owen of Wichita, KS 8 Grandchildren: Gretchen Murrow & husband, Scott of Humboldt, Rex Close, Jr. & wife, Atonya of Iola, Toby Close of Eugene, OR, Adam Stockebrand of Iola, Jordan Craft & husband, Austin of Yates Center, Jeneal Stanley & husband, Shawn of Louisburg, KS, Chris Bennett & wife, Shana of Carlyle, KS and Jerred Bennett & wife, Karen of Pittsburg, KS 16 Great Grandchildren She was preceded in death by a sister-in-law Leota Owen and a daughter-in-law Jeane Ellen Close. VISITATION: 6:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013, at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. FUNERAL SERVICE: 2:00 p.m., Friday, Nov. 8, 2013, at First Baptist Church in Iola. BURIAL: Highland Cemetery, Iola, KS MEMORIAL: First Baptist Church Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com.