Wanda Lake

Wanda Jean Lake, 86, of Shelby, MI, passed away Friday August 18, 2023. Born September 30,

1936, the eldest of 7 children, to Herbert and Veronica McMurtrie. She was raised in the

Tekonsha and Marshall/Charlotte area, where she met and married her husband of 62 years,

Jack Dale Lake. They lived in Adrian, Monroe, East Tawas, and Edmore before settling in

Shelby to raise their four children.

Wanda so loved Oceana county and enjoyed their small farm to grow her gardens, raise horses,

and in her later years, while living in town, to grow as an artist. Her main career was taking care

of her family, but over the years she also worked as a nurses aide, picked fruit, sold antiques,

did secretarial work, and housekeeping/gardening at Double JJ Resort. A true jack of all trades.

Ever the avid reader and learner, she shared her knowledge and was active in her community

as a 4H leader, teaching sewing, horsemanship, and arts and crafts. She was also a Master

Gardener, member of the Gourd society, and taught painting classes at The Ladder.

Wanda is survived by her children, Jeanne (Michael) Abbott, Gill Lake, Christa Swain, and

Nannette Lake; her grandchildren Brett (Mary) Abbott, Christian Abbott, Jacob Swain, and Olivia

Lake; two great grandchildren; and her siblings Claris Shook, Robert McMutrie, Donna Kosier,

Gary McMurtrie, and Vicky Taylor; and preceded in death by her husband Jack Dale Lake, her

sister Bonnie Stayner, and her parents.

There will be no public service, but those wishing to honor her memory may contribute to a

memorial fund being established at Shelby Public Library or The Ladder Community Center in

Shelby.