Wanda L. Woolsey (McPherson), 72, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of March 20, 2026, at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri.
Wanda was born on August 29, 1953, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Richard and Ella Marie Olson. She was the second oldest of six children, one brother and four sisters—and the bond they shared was truly unmatched. In their family, “if it happens to one, it happens to all,” and they lived that out in the way they loved and supported each other. Her siblings would all tell you that Wanda was the ornery one, always ready to drag you into an adventure and just as ready to blame you if it didn’t go as planned.
Wanda loved God and her family above all else, and she lived her life rooted in both. She carried a strong and steady work ethic, following in her mother’s footsteps to become a histologist. She spent much of her career working in pathology at Upshire Labs in Kansas City and Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, where her dedication and care made a lasting impact.
Wanda had a deep love for life’s simple joys. She enjoyed gardening, bowling, camping, reading, boating, Bible study, and most recently, creating diamond art paintings—she was constantly working on them and gifting them to those she loved, friends and family alike. She had a special love for animals, especially her dogs, who she treated like her own children. In her later years, her beloved dorkie, Jasmine (“Jazzy”), was her constant companion, going everywhere with her—from running errands and attending doctor’s appointments to visit her daughter Jessie and playing alongside the grandkids. Wherever Wanda went, Jazzy was sure to be right there with her.
Her greatest joy, however, was her family, especially her grandchildren. Her entire face would light up at the sight or sound of them. She could be found cheering in the stands at her grandson’s
sporting events, attending her granddaughters’ choir concerts, and showing up for countless other activities—always beaming with love and pride. Her granddaughter Addison lovingly gave her the name “Gammy,” a name that stuck and was even adopted by many of the nurses who cared for her in her final weeks, as she made them feel like family.
Wanda would often say, “Oh, it’s granddaughters galore today,” whenever Addison and Alice surprised her with a visit—though truthfully, she usually already knew they were on their way, as
she liked to follow their comings and goings on Life360. She loved keeping up with her family and made sure they always knew they were cherished.
Wanda also loved garage sales and antiquing with anyone she could convince to come along. She never met a knick-knack she didn’t “need.”
She is survived by her daughters, Jessie (Zachary) Malson of Pomona, Kansas, and Michelle Callahan of Ohio; her grandchildren, Addison, Thomas, Ronan Malson, and Alice Callahan (Nathan Pardee), Katelynn Greer, and Curtis Callahan.
She is also survived by her siblings: Nancy Daum of Paola, Kansas; Marjene (Ron) Locke of Pueblo, Colorado; Loretta (Dan) Spotts of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Carl (Malinda) Olson of Paola, Kansas; and Janice (Randy) Menefee of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; along with two nieces, eight nephews, and countless great-nieces and great-nephews (and their spouses), all of whom she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Richard and Ella Marie Olson; the love of her life, Thomas McPherson; her sister-in-law, Debbie Olson; her nephew and his wife, James (Kandi) Locke; her nephew and great-nephew, Kurt (Tristian) Daum; and her second husband, David Woolsey.
Wanda will be remembered for her sharp wit, her strong spirit, her unwavering faith, and the deep love she had for her family. As she often said, “it will all come out in the wash.” Today, we rest in the peace of knowing she is free from pain and held in the arms of the Lord.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
— Revelation 21:4
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 28th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Cremation will follow. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until service time Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Wanda Woolsey Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
