Wanda Roderick Bolton

Wanda Walker Roderick Bolton was born September 22, 1939 in Smithland, KY to Reba and Noah Walker. She was the youngest of three girls. Her sisters, Juanita and Babe, still live in Smithland, KY. Wanda attended Smithland Elementary School and Livingston County High School, from where she graduated at the age of 16. Wanda went on to attend Murray State University in Murray, KY where she graduated from in 1960 with a degree in Business Education. She later earned her Masters degree from the University of Illinois. Her first teaching job was in Bismarck, IL where she met and married Ron Roderick. The two moved to Lansing, MI where Ron served as the Financial Aid Director at Michigan State and Wanda served as professor of Business at Lansing Community College. During this time, Wanda became an accomplished author of seventeen textbooks for typing and for court reporting that were used nationwide. After several years of teaching, she and Ron decided to leave their jobs and manage the rental properties they accumulated over the years. In 1992, Ron passed away from a scuba diving accident. In 1993, Wanda met and married Jim Bolton from Memphis, TN. They were married for 16 years. Wanda was a very generous, intelligent, hardworking, caring person, who took pride in all that she did. She was a member of several organizations that helped children. She was on the Board of Directors for several Condo Associations. Wanda loved family. She was the aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was the godmother to Scott and Penny, whom she cared for after their parents passed away. She also loved her dogs, Mitzi, Angie, Mandy and Brandy. Wanda loved to have company at her home in Florida. She welcomed many visitors year after year. She had many friends in Michigan and was a loyal fan of Michigan State University. A Celebration of the Life of Wanda L. Roderick Bolton will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2009 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Pastor James Blue officiating. Family may receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Huffman Cemetery in Bismarck following the service. In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to Star Commonwealth, 13725 Starr Commonwelath Road, Albion, Michigan, 49224. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.