Keene, Texas - Wanda Ruth Smith, Age 85, of Keene, Texas passed away on July 14, 2026. She was born on January 21, 1941 in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, to Rachel and Nolen Perry.

Wanda was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her family was always a priority in her life. She enjoyed family get-togethers and was truly loved by all her extended family. During her younger years, Sunday dinners at the grandparents' home with aunts, uncles, and cousins were a normal routine. She loved family. For many years, she insisted on playing Santa at Christmas so the children would experience Santa firsthand. Her nieces, nephews and grandson loved Aunt Wanda and her Christmas antics.

Wanda was a teacher, principal and superintendent for 45 years. She earned her Masters Degree in counseling and guidance from Texas Christian University and became a counselor at Waxahachie Elementary School. Later she transferred to Keene ISD to teach 7th and 8th grades. She became a full-time superintendent for Keene ISD in 1981. She started with an ISD program with no federal programs and a bare bones plant facility. She led a campaign for a bond issue which resulted in new buildings including offices, cafeteria and gymnasium. At that time, high school students from Keene attended high school in Cleburne. In 1983 Wanda led in the purchase of land and the construction of Keene's very own high school. Grades 9-12 were added to the existing school, one grade at a time. The high school was completed in 1990 and in 2006 the school was named Wanda R Smith High School.

Surviving family members include one son, Max Nolen Nimmo and wife Tammy; grandsons Ike Nolen Nimmo and Dustin Fossett; great granddaughter, Jaxon Fossett, all of Cleburne, Texas; sister, Doris Trotter of Vian, Oklahoma; nephews, Perry Trotter and wife Kathy, Trent Trotter and wife Charlotte; numerous great nieces and nephews; step-children include three daughters, Sue Schechter, Nancy Smith and Jeanie Smith; eight grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Max Nimmo and her late husband, Don Smith.

A memorial service will be held from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM on July 18, 2026, at the Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church, 114 S Fairview St., Keene, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Keene ISD Endowment Fund in care of Wanda Smith Memorial Scholarship, P.O. Box 656, Keene, TX 76059.