Wanda Gross

The Lord welcomed Wanda Marjorie Gross, a lifelong resident of Medora, Illinois, at 6:00 a.m. Sunday, August 23, 2026. She is now rejoicing in heaven with family and friends. Wanda was born January 27, 1931, in Alton, Illinois. She was the daughter of the late Clarence and Beulah (Manker) Doyle. Wanda was raised in Alton during her early years and later moved to Medora. She was preceded in death by her husband, Delbert Gross; parents, Clarence and Beulah Doyle; and sister May and brother-in-law Tom Felix.

Her family loved and cherished her dearly. She is survived by a daughter, Connie (Jay) Ross, Loda, IL; sons Terry Gross, Bessemer City, NC, and Ira (Judy) Gross, Herrin, IL; seven grandchildren, Beth (Kurt) Kaufmann, Jodi (Mark) Coplea, Jim (Robin) Gross, Cassie, Carrie, and Clarissa Gross.  She was blessed with nine great-grandsons, Addison (Cassie) Kaufmann, Dalton (Hailey) Coplea, Jaxson (Courtney) Coplea, Avery Kaufmann, Gavin Coplea, Anderson Kaufmann, Waylon Hall, Tanner Hall, Ayden Gross, and Elijah Prather.  Her cherished little great-great-grandsons are Nash and Baker Coplea, Hayes Coplea, and Leo Kaufmann. Many nieces and nephews also survive her. 

She graduated as Valedictorian from Medora High School in 1948. After graduation, she attended Brown’s Business School in Alton, Illinois. She was a bookkeeper for the Medora Elevator until she retired.

On April 29, 1950, she married the love of her life, Delbert Gene Gross, in Collinsville, IL, and they shared almost 59 years together. They loved traveling throughout the US and visited 49 states. Their favorite place was visiting Delbert’s nephew, Sambo and wife Denise on Mann Lake Ranch near the Alvord Desert in Oregon. 

Throughout her life, Wanda was a beacon of selflessness and kindness, helping anyone in need. Wanda gave so much of herself to others in so many ways, from the hugs she loved to give and receive. She attended the Medora Christian Church until it closed and then joined the Brighton Christian Church. Wanda was a member of the women’s organization where they donated money to several missions and helped families locally. When she could no longer drive, she faithfully watched Dr. David Jeremiah on television every Sunday.  

Wanda was a talented left-handed artist who loved tole painting. She had a tender heart for animals and watched Dr. Pol daily. Wanda was an avid reader and logged over 1600 books. She loved reading mystery books, and her favorite authors were David Baldacci and John Grisham.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the time of funeral service at noon, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Medora. Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton has been entrusted with arrangements.

Burial will follow at Maple Lawn Cemetery, Medora, to honor her life and legacy. 

Wanda supported Ken and Carolyn Vogel, missionaries in Liberia who provide educational, religious, and medical services. 

?Memorials can be made to: Fair Shake Village: 4520 Liberty Ridge Road Desoto, MO 63020

Condolences may be left online at www.andersonfamilyfuneral.com.

Obit Provided By:
Anderson Family Funeral Home