Wanda Mae (Sheets) Ryner, 81, of Gerlaw, IL passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Legacy Estates in Monmouth.
Wanda was born January 25, 1945, in Fort Madison, IA, the daughter of Edgar and Helen (Overhulser) Sheets. She was raised and educated in Iowa, graduating from Van Buren County High School in Keosauqua, IA in 1962. She continued her education at Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, MO.
Wanda married John H. Ryner, in Keosauqua on June 7, 1964, and he survives.
Wanda was a dedicated farmwife and homemaker. She worked as a secretary at Gamble’s in Monmouth and M&W Ag in Alexis. Throughout her life, Wanda served as a teacher’s aide at Warren Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, and later at Galesburg High School. She enjoyed many hobbies, including gardening, canning, crocheting, quilting, sewing, and exercising at the YMCA. She loved watching her grandchildren participate in sports and activities, cooking for family and friends, and meeting her girlfriends for lunch. Wanda and John were founding members of Countryside Bible Church, now known as Highpoint Church, in Monmouth, Illinois.
Surviving Wanda is her husband, John Ryner; sons, John (Catherine) Ryner of Galesburg, IL, Joe (Sara) Ryner of Colchester, IL, Jeff (Chrissi) Ryner of Alexis, IL; grandchildren: Jordan (Karen) Ryner, Joshua (Myiah) Ryner, Rodel Ryner, Jonas Ryner, Jannus Ryner, Joshua Plattner, Samuel (Day) Ryner, Lilly Mae (Avery) Krahl, Max Ryner, L.J. Barry, Brooke (Brandon) Walker, Blake (Breanna) Ryner; great-grandchildren, Aaliyah Cordes and Dacheus Ryner, Blaire Ryner, Rhett Walker; and sister-in-law, Patricia Kane.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her aunt & uncle who raised her, Gene & Hazel Alexander; her infant daughter, Julie Katherine Ryner; her siblings, Rosalee (Don) Davis, Don Alexander, Leon Alexander, Connie Street; brother-in-law, Larry Kane; and her lifelong best friend, Lois Kinzer; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 12:00 pm, Sunday, March 15, 2026 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, with a visitation immediately following the services until 3:00 pm. Cremation will take place following the services with interment at Mosher Cemetery at a later date. Memorials can be given to Wanda Ryner Memorial Fund and sent to the funeral home.
