2026 06/27 – Wanda F. Roper

Wanda F. Roper, 71, of Centralia, passed away Thursday, June 22, 2023, in her home surrounded by her loving family.

Wanda was born January 25, 1952, in Sandoval, the daughter of William Harmon and Bernice (Williams) Harmon. She married George M. Roper on May 12, 1975, in Mt. Vernon and he survives her in Centralia.

In addition to her husband of 48 years, Wanda is survived by a son Wayne Roper and special friend Tracy Lippert of Patoka; daughter Rhonda Sloat and husband Randy of Centralia; daughter Melissa “Missy” Shaw of Centralia; grandchildren: Miguel Eugene Montaya IV of Centralia, Eric Korzenewski of Centralia, Travis Korzenewski of Centralia, Christopher Korzenewski of Centralia, and Seth Roper of Centralia; great-grandchildren: Kayden Hatcher of Centralia, Angala Montaya of Salem, Dominik Montaya of Salem, and Adrain Montaya of Salem; sisters Julia “Mae” Deadmond, Donna Hixenbaugh, and Joyce Gelsinger; brothers Roy Harmon, Jim Harmon, and Donald Harmon; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents: William and Bernice Harmon, in-laws: Marshall, Claire, and Betty Roper; son: Scott Roper; granddaughter: Kalysa Montaya; three brothers: Everett Harmon, John Harmon, and Joe Harmon; five sisters: Mary Marshoff, Wilma Garner, Norma Sessions, Dorothy Belcher, and Shirley Ingles.

Wanda was a life member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary Post 2055 in Centralia, where she enjoyed playing Bingo. She especially loved spending time with her family and many friends. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life Service for Wanda Roper will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at 5:00 pm with Pastor John Willis officiating at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. Visitation will be held at the funeral home before the service from 3:00pm to 5:00 pm on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the V.F.W. Auxiliary Post 2055 in Centralia and can be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Roper Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland Funeral Home Facebook Page.