WANDA BISEL

Wanda Lou Martin Bisel, long time Ashland Kansas resident or Mrs. James Bisel as she always signed her checks, was the middle daughter of Ed and Rebecca Martin who preceded her in death. Wanda was born in the farmhouse of her parents in Isabella Oklahoma on September 3, 1929, and was the last surviving child of her 8 siblings, Irene, Lester, Archie, Clay Allen, Bonnie, Lonnie, Larry and Jack Martin.

She started her education in a one room schoolhouse and graduated from high school in 1947 in Okeene, Oklahoma. She continued her education in her 60’s when she became a certified nurse assistant which was characteristic of her strong need to be a caretaker.

Wanda was born strong willed and high spirited. Her mother always referred to her as a “handful,” so much so that, Rebecca questioned her fiancé, Jimmy, if he was sure he wanted to marry her. He did indeed, and they were married for 64 years when he preceded her in death on November 5, 2011.

Four daughters who were their pride and joy were born to Jim and Wanda. Donna Lou Bisel Hughes, Janice (Cookie )Kay Bisel Krehbiel, Rebecca Jean Bisel Hoffman, who preceded her in death (Thomas Allen, who also preceded her in death), and Jamie Elaine Bisel Gale (Mitch). Jim and Wanda had eight grandchildren: Brett Jones (Renee), Blaine Jones (Carey), Sarah Krehbiel-Mizel (Curt), Lindsay Coombs (Jeremy), Amber O'Hanlon (Dustin), Tiffany Norton (Will), Eliza Eckman (Jon), Nathan Gale (Julie); 19 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-great-grandchildren.

Wanda was more than a wife and mother, she was always the first to take food to others, whether it was a neighbor facing hardship or a friend in distress, she was there offering a helping hand a and a warm meal. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Ashland and provided food for the congregation in joy and in sorrow from the early 50s until her death. She worked tirelessly at The Ashland Hospital as a CNA for many years caring for her friends as they departed their life on earth. She was a comfort, and her presence has been felt in many corners of this community. She will be missed dearly, but we take comfort in knowing that she is at peace having left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Rest in peace Mom/Grandma, your love, strength and courage has had an everlasting impact.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00PM Thursday June 5, 2025 at the First Christian Church Ashland, Kansas burial will follow at the Highland Cemetery.

Family suggests memorials to the Minneola Long Term Care Nursing Home at PO Box 10 Minneola, KS 67865.