Lawanda Oblander

LaWanda Rose Oblander (93) passed away May 18, 2025 at Paramount Community Living in Newton. She was born January 27, 1932 to George and Sara (Krause) Flaming in Goessel, KS.

She grew up on a dairy farm near Hillsboro as the third of five children. She graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1950.

LaWanda married Durward Oblander on September 1, 1956 at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church in Goessel, KS. The couple resided in Newton and in 1962 had their daughter Sheryl. Shortly after they moved to rural Newton on 20- acres where she and her husband created an orchard where they grew and sold apples, peaches, pears, and a few other fruits. She also worked for Southwestern Bell as a telephone operator until her retirement in the early 1990s.

LaWanda’s hobbies included sewing, cake decorating, growing irises, and word searches. Family was also very important to her.

She is survived by her 3 grandchildren Christine (Aaron) Pish of Topeka, Nathan Wright of Newton, and Jason (Elizabeth) of Zimmerman, Minnesota; 2 great grandchildren Hayle Wright and Anastasia Pish; brother Howard (Vera) Flaming of Dallas, Oregon; and many nieces and nephews.

LaWanda is preceded in death by her husband Durward; daughter Sheryl Wright; sisters Eleanor Edins, Aldina Franz, and Gladys Nickel.

Lawanda Oblander visitation is May 22, 2025 from 5pm-9pm. Her graveside service is May 23, 2025 at 2pm