Wanda Lou Haynes, 94, passed away in the early hours of May 6th, 2022 in Fillmore, CA.
“Always be happy in what you do, this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” This was Wanda’s philosophy, and what guided her life, along with a foundation of kindness and hard work, instilled by her late mother and father, Olen and Sue Core.
Wanda was born in Ratcliff, Arkansas in 1927 and lived the majority of her 94 years in Fillmore, CA, where her family settled when she was a young girl. Wanda was a strong fixture in the community. She began working at the Fillmore Theater while in high school, ushering guests to their seats while her father ran the projector. She went on the graduate from Fillmore High School in 1945. She then moved to the “big city of Ventura” with a few girlfriends, where she worked as a telephone operator and billing clerk. She once said she moved with her girlfriends so they could “meet their husbands”. In the interim she progressed to a supervisor with the phone company and, eventually, to a management career in banking at Ramona Savings and Loan, where she worked from 1953 until her retirement in 1990.
While Wanda retired from her career in banking, she did not retire from life. She went on to travel extensively throughout the world with long time friends, while making new friends along the way, even luring one to start a business in her precious, small town of Fillmore. She continued to support her friends and local organizations through her administrative work for a local chiropractor, financial firm and law firm, as well as her volunteer work with the Fillmore Alumni Association, where she served as a board member and President.
Wanda married the love of her life, William “Bill” Haynes, in 1953, and was blessed with two children, Paula and Steve. Wanda lost her husband to cancer in 1974, but her love for him was sustained through her family. Her children blessed her with four grandchildren, who went on to bless her with five great grandchildren. The joy of her life was family. She devoted herself to them. All who knew her, could feel in every word and action that her family was at the center of who she was. She also lived a life of service to the Lord, who we know welcomed her into the gates of heaven with a warm embrace, where she rejoices in His love, and is now reunited with her sweet Bill. She was fully loved, is greatly missed, and will survive through us who were blessed to be a part of her; daughter Paula Collins and husband Jeff; son Steven Haynes. Grandchildren Kimberly Ritchey; Melisa Ritchey Collins and husband Justin; William Haynes and wife Jessica; Christopher Haynes and wife Courtney; step grandson, Jacob Collins and great grandchildren; Gavin, Raegan and Milo Collins and Garrett and Tristan Haynes.
“I am glad that God made me the way I am. He is my inspiration when I am sad, and when I am glad. Be happy in all that you do and always think positive. He will lead you all the way.” Wanda L Haynes
In lieu of flowers donations to the Fillmore High Alumni Associated would be greatly appreciated.