Wanda Shields

If you ever met Wanda Shields, chances are you left with a smile on your face and a story to tell. Wanda, 68, of Palestine, IL, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by family—exactly the way she wanted it. Born in Aurora, IL, Wanda was the daughter of Leonard & Isabell Casey, one of 15 kids (yes, you read that right!) Needless to say, Wanda learned early on how to hold her own, which came in handy when she later proved she could out-fish the men in her life and out-negotiate anyone at a yard sale.

Wanda’s life was a testament to grit and love. While raising her kids, she earned her GED—not just for herself but to ensure she could provide for her family and give her children the best life possible. She married Oscar Shields on November 3, 1990. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter in Palestine. Wanda didn’t just live in the Pioneer City—she planted roots deep enough to touch the whole town. For 20 years, she drove the special education school bus for Palestine schools, but her involvement didn’t stop there. She also cooked, cleaned, and helped young readers conquer their AR goals as an aide. She made the school her second home because caring for kids was her life’s mission. Whether it was her own children or the kids who rode her bus, Wanda was their protector, cheerleader, and (occasional) no-nonsense referee.

Wanda didn’t just work hard; she played hard, too. She had the kind of sass that could silence a room and the kind of laugh that could fill it back up again. She told it like it was, and if you had it coming, she’d let you know—probably with a few choice words sprinkled in for good measure! (How she kept that potty mouth under wraps at school is still a mystery...) Tiny but mighty, Wanda never backed down from anything. She could put a roof on her son’s house one day and create a magical fairy garden the next. Her favorite pastimes included sitting on the porch with a cigarette in hand, solving sudokus, and losing herself in a good book. She was always cold—seriously, the woman had a heated blanket for every occasion—but her blue eyes always seemed to sparkle with warmth.

Her family was her everything. For eight years, she cared for her mother during Isabell’s battle with Alzheimer’s, and she poured her heart into her children, grandchildren, and even her "grandcats", Mona and Flossie. She was a kid at heart, especially when playing with her grandkids, and her endless jokes made her the life of every gathering. Wanda Shields wasn’t just a woman—you might say she was a force of nature. While her porch chair may now sit empty, her stories, her laughter, and her love will continue to fill the hearts of everyone who knew her. Said another way, if life were a yard sale, Wanda was the kind of deal you’d brag about forever!

Wanda is survived by her son, Charles Vahl; her daughters, Nicki & husband Justin Hill, Kalley Vahl, and Kari Tye; her stepchildren & their spouses, Debbie & Brian Medsker, Rhonda & Tim Eller, Becky Mikeworth, Kathy & Daron Hoalt, and Wanda & Jim Woodard; her step-son, Wesley Vahl; numerous grandchildren; her siblings & their spouses, Carolyn Newsom, Shirley & Noah Taylor, John & Beverly Casey, Dean & Gwen Casey, Roy & Debbie Casey, and Keith & Janice Casey; her brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Doug & Becky Shields; several nieces & nephews; as well as her two well-loved grandcats. She was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar Shields, her parents, Leonard & Isabell Casey, and eight siblings.

A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. In honor of Wanda’s lifelong dedication to protecting and caring for children, memorial contributions may be made to the “NOW Program,” which provides supplemental food for local students. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.