Wanda Carter

Wanda A. Carter, 78, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, March 13, 2017, at Southeast Hospital.

She was born April 3, 1938, in Florence, Arizona, to Elmer D. and Doreen Billington Ashley.

She was a legal secretary for much of her life, later becoming a court reporter for the Stanislaus County Superior Court in Modesto, California, for 17 years, retiring in 2000 as head reporter. Shortly after her retirement, she left her beloved Modesto to be near her grandkids in Missouri.

Wanda wasn't known for her activity. Her favorite pastimes were watching golf, the BBC and crime shows on television. She also had a lifelong passion for reading.

During her recent health challenges, she found comfort in coming to know Christ and was received peacefully into His loving arms.

Survivors include her daughter, Kelly (Eric) Morton of Cape Girardeau; a brother, William Ashley of Cape Girardeau; a granddaughter, Katherine Morton; a niece, Catherine (Jim) Hughes of Cape Girardeau; and two nephews, Steve (Chris) Ashley and Gary Ashley, both of San Diego.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Doris Ashley; and her grandson, Alex Morton.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at LaCroix United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Ron Watts officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to Seeds of Dignity Ministries, 17076 Carriage Road, Sonora, CA 95370. Donations will be used for the Alex Morton Fishing Boat Livelihood Project for less fortunate families impacted by calamitous events and to provide assistance for families in need of life-changing orthopedic surgeries for their children in the southern Philippines.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.