Mrs Wanda Ilene Adams' Obituary
Wanda Ilene West Adams was born in Long Beach on October 20, 1922, and passed
away June 15, 2016. She came from a loving Christian home with one brother, Wendle
West. Wanda came to Christ at the age of 10 and was baptized in the Colorado Lagoon.
She attended Wilson High, Long Beach Jr. College, and the Bible Institute of Los
Angeles (Biola). She was Pastor’s Assistant at United Presbyterian Church of Santa Ana for several years. Wanda has worked as a Child Evangelism Teacher, and a Released Time Child Evangelism Teacher. She was involved in each church she attended, from Secretary to Sunday School Teacher, to Vacation Bible School director, to Pastor’s Assistant, to playing the piano and organ for church services and special music. She most recently attended Northpoint Evangelical Free church until she was physically no longer able. She loved her church. Wanda taught music lessons (Piano and organ) for many years. She felt this was her “Mission Field.” She has written poems all her life and has been composing her own Christmas Songs since the ‘60s to share with friends and family for her Christmas cards. She became a Real Estate Broker for several years, which she did not enjoy completely, but was glad for the experience.
She was married to Merrick John Adams on April 16, 1948, 'till he passed away July 3, 1991.
She is survived by her children, Judy Adams Dietrich, married to Martin Dietrich, Jerry
Adams, and Kenneth John Adams, married to Kathy Adams. Wanda has 13 Grandchildren
(including spouses)in age order: Jayson and Keri Dietrich, Joshua Dietrich, Chris Adams,
Jacob and Cindy Dietrich, Jeremiah and Mandy Adams, Micah and Tony Salinas, Tyler Adams, Hunter Adams. She also had 8 Great Grandchildren: Drake Dietrich, Alexis Salinas, Logan Dietrich, Heidi Dietrich, Mattea Dietrich, Isabelle Dietrich, Phoebe Salinas and Riley Adams. Wanda had a host of friends and neighbors in Orange County, Crestline, Riverside, and Corona, some of whom she has known and loved for many, many years, including Peggy Hutto, Best Friend for 70 years, and her family, Ron & Jebby, Connie and Jim Barton, and Colene and Rick Newton, all of Peggy’s grandchildren, and Walter and also Carolyn Crager, all who have been like family. Peggy states she will miss Wanda so very much.
Wanda says that “Jesus Christ is my life.” These words were from her heart, and she lived them each day.
What’s your fondest memory of Wanda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Wanda?
Share a story where Wanda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Wanda you’ll never forget.
How did Wanda make you smile?
