July 17, 1934 — June 13, 2016

Wana Jean Wright, age 81, of Dowagiac, died Monday evening, June 13, 2016, in the Hearth at Juday Creek in Granger, Indiana.

Wana was born on the family farm on July 17, 1934, in Cass County, Michigan to William and Estel (Akin) Barter. She married Howard Dayton Wright in Dowagiac, Michigan. He survives. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Wilma Leonardson; and two brothers, Ward Barter and Dale Barter.

Wana Jean attended a one room school house where she helped teach the younger children. During her high school years, she grew and sold pickles and strawberries to buy clothes for school. She graduated valedictorian of her class.

Wana Jean first worked in the office of American Coach Company. Soon after, Fruit Belt Electric Company offered her a job and she worked for them for many years. She then worked for an Opthamologist in Dowagiac, Dr. Fred Matthews, until retirement.

Wana Jean helped in the family business of farming and excavating. She drove the tractor discing, dragging the fields and baling hay. She also helped install drain fields. During all this time from childhood, she preached the Kingdom of God and studied the Bible with many people.

This was Wana Jean’s lifelong passion – to help people find a hope for life in this world, that one day, the world will be a paradise again according to God’s promises.

Wana will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her husband of over sixty two years, Howard Wright of Dowagiac and a host of nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather Wednesday, June 22, 2016, at 7 p.m. in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 30051 M62 West, Dowagiac, Michigan.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.