Wanda Lee Walker-Newell

Wanda Lee (Rednour) Walker-Newell passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on August 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on August 17, 1932, to Clarence and Flora Ethel (Ashley) Rednour. Wanda grew up with her brothers and sisters on the family homestead in Mohawk, Tennessee.

Wanda married Ira Walker on August 26, 1947, and moved to Belvidere, Illinois, where they lovingly raised their family and became longtime members of the community.

Following Ira’s passing, she married Thomas Newell in December of 1985. Together they made their home in Marengo, Illinois, while also spending treasured time at the family lake house in Wautoma, Wisconsin, before settling in their forever home in Roscoe, Illinois.

Her family was her greatest blessing, and the memories she created with them will continue to bring smiles for generations to come.

Wanda’s smile was one of her greatest gifts. Whenever you walked into a room, her face would light up with genuine joy. She had a remarkable way of making everyone feel welcomed, loved, and important. Her happiness was contagious, and her warm spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She was an avid Chicago sports fan who remained loyal through every season, faithfully cheering on her beloved Chicago Bears, Cubs, Bulls, and Blackhawks. Whether celebrating a championship or enduring a difficult season, her enthusiasm for her teams never wavered.

Wanda was a devoted member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Rockton, IL, where her faith and fellowship were an important part of her life.

She is survived by her beloved son, Terry Walker of Roscoe, Illinois; daughters-in-law, RaeAnn Walker of Roscoe, Illinois; and Brenda Brockman of Columbus, Ohio; sister, Virginia (Rednour) Phaffinger-Schuster of Norwood, Missouri; grandchildren Daniel Walker, Monica Walker, Jason Walker, Jennifer (Mark) Sisson, Brenton (Kimberly) Walker, and Nicole Walker; and great-grandchildren Jocelyn (Adam) Veruchi, Jacob Horner, Benjamin Walker, and Olivia Walker. She was also lovingly known as “Sweet Aunt Wanda” to many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Ethel Rednour; siblings, Mary Kathryn (Rednour) Walker, William Rednour, and Paul Rednour; husbands, Ira Walker and Thomas Newell; sons, Tony Walker and Timmy Walker; granddaughter, Michelle Walker; and great-granddaughter, Casey Dubin.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, beginning at 10:00AM at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 511 W. Rockton Road, Rockton, Illinois. A funeral service will follow at the church beginning at 11:00AM, with burial immediately following at Highland Garden of Memories Cemetery in Belvidere, IL. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon at the St. Andrew Lutheran Church following the burial.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of OSF Hospice for their compassionate care, kindness, and unwavering support during Wanda’s final days.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons Danny Walker, Jason Walker, Brenton Walker, and Mark Sisson, along with her great-grandsons Jacob Horner and Benjamin Walker. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Rockton, Illinois. 

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