Wanda May Parrett passed on to her eternal home on January 31, 2026, at the Oskaloosa Care Center in Oskaloosa, Iowa, at the age of 89.
Wanda was born on May 28, 1936, in Centerville, Iowa, to Carson and Rachel Jordan, and was raised in Moravia, Iowa. She graduated from Moravia High School in 1954, where she was a proud Moravia Mohawkette basketball player. As a freshman, she competed in the Girls State Basketball Tournament as both a guard and forward – an experience she cherished throughout her life. She joyfully shared her love of basketballwith her children and grandchildren and watched the State Tournament every year.
After high school, Wanda worked at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines before moving back to Moravia. She then met Hubert Allen Staggs at the Nazarene Church in Centerville, Iowa. They married in 1957 and were blessed with five children: Steven “Stubby”, Gary, Kevin, Shari, and Terri Staggs. She also welcomed two stepchildren, DeLoris “Dori” Wegener and Larry Staggs, into her family. Wanda later married James“Jim” Parrett in 1985, and they shared 23 years of marriage until his passing in 2008.
Wanda took great pride in raising her beloved kids and would ensure they had every opportunity to pursue sports and extracurriculars outside of the farm, as well. A determined and hardworking woman, Wanda held various jobs while supporting her family. She worked at JCPenney in Centerville for 12 years, then assisted her sons with their waterbed boutique stores – eventually co-owning and managing two franchises in Missouri. She went on to manage multiple apartment buildings in the greater Des Moines area.
After Jim retired, the couple moved to Oskaloosa, where Wanda continued managing her son’s apartment building and worked at Maid-Rite for nearly 25 years.
Wanda’s greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She rarely missed her grandchildren’s events and was one of their biggest supporters. Rooted deeply in her faith, she loved reading her Bible, listening to sermons on her radio, and worshiping with her church family at Omega Church in Oskaloosa.
Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, James Arthur Parrett; her son, Steven Hubert Staggs; her infant granddaughter, Brooke Marie Staggs; her parents, Zell Carson Jordan and Rachel Alberta Jordan; her siblings, Louis Edward “L.E.” Jordan, Carson Junior “C.J.” Jordan, and Faith Ruth Buxton; her aunt Roberta Murphy Fitzpatrïck Park, and her nephew Kenneth “Kenny” Ivan Jordan.
Left to mourn her passing, Wanda is survived by her children, Gary (Jody) Staggs of Oskaloosa, Iowa, and grandchildren, Steven (Andrea) Staggs (great grandchildren Sloane and Madden), and Lottie Staggs; Kevin (Linda) Staggs of Seymour, Iowa, and grandchildren, Jordan (Jeff) Poen (great grandchildren Isabelle, Ava, and Morgan Gray), and Tyler Staggs; Shari (Mark) Bradfield of Harrisonville, Missouri, and grandchildren, Austin (Hannah) King (great grandchildren Hazel and Audrey), and Autumn (Nathan) Kimball; Terri (Rob) Joiner of Carlisle, Iowa, and grandchildren, Hillery Joiner, Kyle (Brianna) Joiner (great grandchildren Josie and Hank), Trevor Joiner, and Cortney Joiner; her brother, Darwin (Evonne) Jordan and family; and her sister-in-law, Betty Jordan and family. Also left to mourn her passing are numerous extended family and dear friends.
Memorial services will be held at the Omega Church on Saturday, February 7, 2026, with Reverend Cyril McKay officiating.
As was Wanda’s wish her body will be cremated. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation with the family present will be held before the service Saturday at the Omega Church from 10:00-12:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the Omega Church.
