Wanda Lou Tabb

February 11, 1930 — November 10, 2023

Wanda Patton Tabb passed peacefully November 2023, at Windchime at the Village Assisted Living facility in Kingsland, Texas. Born on February 11th, 1930, Wanda lived a full life, dying just a few months before her 94th birthday. She was born in Ripley, Oklahoma, and after surviving the Great Depression and WW II, she graduated from High School as Salutatorian of her class and enrolled at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. It was there she met her future husband of 63 years, Gene Tabb. They were married on April 9th, 1951. During the next 15 years they lived in OK, HI, CA, NM, KS, LA, and FL while chas-ing career opportunities in the NASA missile program. During that time, they had two sons, Gene Jr. and David. In 1967 Gene’s career took them to Ridgecrest, California where he pursued engineering opportunities in Civil Service working for the Navy at the Naval Weapons Center. They remained there for 42 years before moving to Kingsland, Texas.

Wanda was a true “Boy Mom”. She used her phe-nomenal sewing skills to create Boy Scout costumes and sew on patches. Both of her sons earned the honor of Eagle Scout. She loved to bake, and her family appreciated her efforts, especially her cookies.

Having been raised on a farm she had a love for animals and there was always a dog or cat in the house when the boys were growing up. She seemed happiest when she could curl up and read a good book, enjoy the company of good neighbors, or visit with her grandchildren. She and Gene were avid campers and roamed many states with their RV group and their 4WD group. Her favorite RV trip of all time was spending four months up in Alaska camping, fishing, and sightseeing.

They four wheeled in all the western US but especially liked Moab, North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, Mammoth Mountain, and Telluride. With these same groups of friends, she traveled to many countries in Central America and the Caribbean, But she never turned down an opportunity to settle in at a good nickel slot machine in Las Vegas.

Wanda had six grandchildren, Gene Tabb, III, Noema Randolph, Rachel Doucette, Braden Tabb, Brian Tabb and Andrea Tabb. While the grandchildren currently live in five different states, all six managed to come see her during her final year of life. She treasured the time and laughter and memories they shared with her. She also leaves behind ten great-grandchildren.

While widowed in 2014 she became great friends with her neighbors, members at Kingsland Community Church, and later friends at Windchime. Wanda will be interned at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park followed by a Celebration of Life at Kingsland Community Church on November 27th.