Wanda Critchlow

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Wanda Fern Critchlow, 96, of Sikeston died Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston.

She was born Nov. 6, 1915, near Matthews, Mo., to Frank and Bertha Evans Radcliffe. She grew up on the farm and graduated from Matthews High School. She and William C. Critchlow of Matthews were married April 8, 1939, in Sikeston. He was a medical student at St. Louis University.

During World War II they lived on the coasts of Oregon and Washington where Dr. Critchlow served in the Army and she took care of their two sons.

Following the war and further medical training the family moved to Sikeston. Here she made a warm and loving home and raised their five children, along with several of their friends. She was also a member of Eastern Star and was a lifelong member of the Christian Church, being very active in the Sikeston church as long as she was able to attend.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 58 years; and a sister, Barbara Proffer.

Survivors include five children, Dr. Jim (Diane) Critchlow of Dexter, Mo., Joe (Barbara) Critchlow of Houston, Texas, Dr. Tom (Tonya) Critchlow of Cape Girardeau, Dr. Mike Critchlow of Sikeston, and Debbie Critchlow Yorke and Jay York of Dexter; 17 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home, where the funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday. The Rev. Mary McCord, pastor of First Christian Church, will officiate. Interment will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery at Sikeston.

Online condolences may be sent at www.ponderfuneralhome.com.