Devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, died unexpectedly on November 5, 2011. Wanda was born on November 10, 1933 to Ivan and Leona Truman in Canton, Minnesota. After a happy childhood with her seven sisters and brothers, she attended St. Mary's College where she received her nursing degree. She then worked as a psychiatric nurse in VA Hospitals in Chicago and New York, where she met her future husband, Ralph Bartels. They lived in California, Connecticut, Virginia, New York, and Missouri before moving to Kingwood, Texas. After raising their five children, she returned to work as a school nurse in the Humble Independent School District.

Wanda was a dedicated and cherished member of every community in which she lived. She was an active parishioner at St. Martha Catholic Church, where she also sang in the choir—one of the great joys of her life. Guided by her faith, she was a tireless volunteer for a number of charitable causes. She was a founding member of the Friends of the Library, Kingwood. She also gave her time and her energy generously and happily to Martha's Kitchen, Meals on Wheels, St. Vincent de Paul, and Mothers Against Cancer.

Above all, Wanda was a devoted mother and grandmother, and her happiest times were when she was with her family. Wanda is survived by her husband of 51 years, Capt. Ralph W. H. Bartels, USCG (Ret.), and by her five children and their families: Stacy Alley, her husband Roland Alley, and their children, Truman and Jenna; Wade Bartels, his wife Mary Lynn Bartels, and their children, Cameron and Jourdan; Tirza Bartels, her husband Brent Newton, and their children, Anna and Georgia; Paige Bartels, her partner Nicole Mellow, and their children, Rafael and Luca; and Kimberly Bartels. She is also survived by three sisters, Marge Muhich, Gerry Broghamer, and Gayleen Shelton Sullivan, two brothers, Bill Truman and Tom Truman, numerous nieces and nephews, and the countless friends whose lives were touched by her warmth, kindness, and humor.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Wanda's name to Martha's Kitchen (care of St. Martha Catholic Church) or Friends of the Library, Kingwood.

The family received relatives and friends from 6 to 8 pm, Thursday, November 10, 2011, with a Rosary Service at 7 pm, at Kingwood Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was at 4 pm, Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 at St. Martha Catholic Church, 4301 Woodridge Pkwy., Porter, Texas 77365.