Wanda Lee Burns, 84, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025. She was a long-term resident of Organ Cave, WV. She was born in Sinks Grove, on Apr. 2, 1941, and was the daughter of Homer Hampton Howard and Cinda Helvey Howard.
Wanda was preceded in death by her devoted husband, James Howard Burns; her brother, Robert (Bob) Howard; and her sister-in-law and closest friend, Myrtle Burns and several other brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
She is survived by her daughter, Tina Ratliff (Alan), and her son, Curtis Burns (Tammy). Wanda also leaves behind five treasured grandchildren – Keri Galford (Kevin), Justin Ratliff (Tiffany), Brittany Blankenship (Randy), Tracey Hylton (Kenny), and Baylee Burns – and nine beloved great-grandchildren: Kash, Klaire, Harley, Rhiannon, Krew, Hunter, Ruger, Townes, and Kori.Among those who will miss her dearly is her beloved brother, Joe Howard (Tina) and family, sister-in-law Jenny Francisco; brothers-in-law, Larry Burns (Gerri) and Lewis Burns; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Wanda, or as many knew her as Hoots or Hotrod Wanda, was a devoted member of Salem Presbyterian Church, where she found comfort in her faith and community. At home, she spent her days doing the things she loved – drawing, sewing, cooking, baking, and losing herself in a good book. Each year, she marked holidays and birthdays with homemade treats, sharing her pound cakes, friendship (zombie) bread, salt-rising bread and chocolate chip cookies with family and friends as a quiet but meaningful way to show her love. Her traditions, like her ever-famous rolls or the fruitcake that traveled a thousand miles, became lasting memories that will always be part of her story.
We’re hosting a come-and-go Celebration of Life for Wanda on Friday, July 25th starting at 6 p.m. at the Organ Cave Community Center. Stop in whenever you’d like to share stories, hugs, and memories. It’s a relaxed gathering to honor Wanda’s life and the love she shared with all of us.
In keeping with Wanda’s wishes, a graveside service will be held at the Burns Family Cemetery near Morgan Cemetery Road on Saturday, July 26 at 11 a.m. All friends and family are warmly invited to join us in celebrating her life.
In lieu of flowers, we encourage charitable donations to be made to HospiceCare and Peyton House Hospice in Lewisburg, WV. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff of HospiceCare and Peyton House Hospice. Your compassionate care and unwavering support made Wanda’s final days peaceful and dignified, and we are forever grateful for the kindness shown to her and our family during such a tender time.
Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com
