Wanda Lee Padgett Dutton, 84, of Versailles, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her children on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, one month shy of her 85th birthday.
Born on March 1, 1936, in Fayette County, she was the first born to the late Bradford Stone and Dorothy Alice Harp Padgett and the oldest of five siblings. She graduated from Lafayette High School in 1954.
Wanda was married to Donald S. Dutton for 45 years who preceded her in death in 1999. Together they raised six beloved children.
Wanda was a dedicated wife, mother, daughter, sister, and a passionate homemaker for her entire life, where she created a loving and welcoming atmosphere for all who entered her home. She was involved and supportive in all areas of her children’s lives. She knew what it meant to work hard and could always be found working on the farm, in the garden, hay, tobacco field, or busy preparing meals for her family and managing her household. She loved, adored and was beyond proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many others who called her “mom.” She especially loved her role of “Nanny.”
Wanda, also known as “Wanita” to family and friends, was a fantastic cook, well known for her famous Texas sheet cakes, cushaw pies and a variety of fresh canned garden vegetables. She loved bird watching, planting flowers, UK basketball, and listening to Gospel music and her knowledge of all these subjects was remarkable. She was resourceful and creative and enjoyed decorating her home especially during the holidays. As a true matriarch, she instilled in her family the importance of loving God and she remained a faithful servant her entire life.
Wanda, “mom,” “Nanny,” “Nana” was kind, non-judgmental, compassionate, fearless, selfless, tireless, and embraced and loved all whom she encountered. Despite the heartache felt by family and friends, there is peace and comfort knowing she is in the arms of the Lord.
Wanda will be lovingly remembered by five children, Darlene (Todd) Edmondson, Lawrenceburg; Jenny (David) Trimble, Versailles; Ronald Dutton, Louisville; Mark (Kathy) Dutton, Chattanooga; and Todd (SueAnn Weber) Dutton, Versailles; a son-in-law, Clayton Weber, Salvisa; a brother, Stoney (Judy) Padgett, Versailles; three sisters, Faye Dawson, Frankfort; Janie Dozier, Versailles; and Fran (Garry) Redmon, Frankfort; 18 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Donald S. Dutton, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Donna Leigh Dutton.
Private funeral services will be held with private burial in Old Union Christian Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, at Blackburn & Ward Funeral Home. Due to government mandates, those attending services are required to wear proper facial covering and follow social distancing guidelines.
In honoring Wanda’s love and passion for children, memorial contributions are suggested to the Life Adventure Center, 570 Milner Road, Versailles, Ky. 40383.
Friends and family are encouraged to leave messages of condolence and share memories on Wanda’s tribute page at www.blackburnandward.com.