Wanda James Whittaker, of Punta Gorda, Florida, was born on April 8,1955 in Hamilton, Ohio, a daughter to Leroy and Geneva Reams. She married Mark Whittaker on September 14,2002, and he survives.

Throughout her life Wanda was very passionate about music. From singing on the radio as a young girl, then later becoming the female vocalist for Southern Sky Band, of which she was a member for many years. Wanda worked for Hill-Rom many years up until her retirement. If she wasn't at work or singing, she was enjoying time with family and friends, hosting family dinners on Sundays or any type of get together, as her door was always open to everyone. Most of all she loved spending time with her grandchildren. On Thursday, September 7, 2023, at the age of 68, she passed away at Shorepoint Health in Port Charlotte, Florida, surrounded by family. 

Those surviving who will cherish her memory include her husband of 21 years, Mark Whittaker; three daughters, Michelle (Doug) Riley of Sunman; Samantha (Eric) Sacksteder of Brookville; Lacey (Paul) Hudepohl of Bright; a son, Daniel Whittaker and his fiancée, Coty, of Madison; her beloved grandchildren Tyler Riley, Ashlin Sacksteder, Zac Riley, Hannah Riley Gemereth, Audrey Sacksteder, Ava Hudepohl, and Griffin Hudepohl. She is also survived by her brother, Ron Reams; two sisters, Teresa Allen and Belinda Slabinski; two nieces, Amanda Cull and Jennifer Suter; and one nephew, Bryce Slabinski. She was preceded in death by her parents; her late husband, Roger James; her brother Leroy Jr.; and her sister, Cindy Jorgensen. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.  To sign the online guestbook or to leave a personal condolence, please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored the family chose us to help locally.

Paid obituary