Sondra Wahlman

Sondra Wahlman, daughter of the late Wilbert H. Wahlman and Ruby G. Ogle (Wahlman) Benton was born August 27, 1937 in St. Louis, Missouri. She went home to be with her Lord on Friday, November 23, 2018 at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Missouri having attained the age of 81 years. As a young girl Sondra moved to Gerald, Missouri. On October 9, 1954, Sondra was united in marriage to Bernard Vandegriff, Jr. of Belle, Missouri and to this union four children were born: Kevin, Jimmy, Lisa, and Sondra. After the birth of her two sons, Sondra went back to school to complete her education and receive her High School Diploma. Due to Bernard being in the U.S. Navy, the family was transferred to different duty stations, including California. In 1969, Sondra and the family moved to Iberia, Missouri where they lived for 4 years before moving to Waynesville in 1973. Sondra was a civil service employee for 32 years. She worked 2 years in California, then 30 years at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri before retiring in 1999. After retirement, Sondra moved to Springfield, Missouri. After moving to Springfield, Sondra worked a part time job at an attorney's office for a short period of time. Sondra was a talented person. She loved music and singing! She played tenor guitar, ukulele, and learned how to play the organ after moving to Springfield. She was a member of a country western band known as Tom Rose and the Skylighters. She also performed & sang at The Country Club in St. Robert, Missouri. Sondra was also a creative person. She enjoyed watercolor painting and won several ribbons for her paintings. She made clothing to sell in order to supplement her income. She was an excellent seamstress and she could sew just about anything she put her mind to. During the last few years of her life, she also learned how to crochet. Sondra enjoyed playing board games and she was the reigning queen of Chinese Checkers! She really enjoyed doing Crossword puzzles, too. Sondra had made a profession of faith and was baptized, along with her two daughters, by Pastor Mike Prater. They were baptized in the Tavern Creek which is on her mother and stepfather's property in Iberia, Missouri. She was a member of Agape Chapel before becoming a member of Rock of Ages Church in St. Robert, Missouri. Sondra will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those who knew and loved her. She leaves to cherish her memory her four children: Kevin Vandegriff (Susan) of Springfield, MO, Jimmy Vandegriff of Lebanon, MO, Lisa Schulte (Mark) of Springfield, MO and Sondra Vandegriff of Springfield, MO; five grandchildren, Christopher Vandegriff of Greenville, SC, Ruthanna Reardon (Davis) of Athens, GA, Jacque Bogue of Louisville, KY, Master Sergeant Adrian E. Poke of Austin, TX, and Alex Poke of Springfield, MO; two great grandchildren, Adrian Michael Poke and Isaiah Daniel Poke; two sisters, Sherry Plowman and Wanda (Norman) Benedict, and one brother, Steven Benton; a number of nieces and nephews as well as a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Sondra was preceded in death by her younger brother, Greg Benton. Sondra was a very giving person during her life and even at her passing, she was able to give to others. She decided several years ago to become an organ and tissue donor. Her wishes were honored and fulfilled at the time of her passing. Services were held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, November 30, 2018 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Pastor Mike Prater officiating. The songs “To Where You Are” and “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban and “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me were played. Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery of Waynesville. Memorial Contributions in memory of Sondra Wahlman may be left at the funeral home.

Sondra Wahlman

August 27, 1937 - November 23, 2018