Wanda Riffe

Wanda Jean (Bryant) Riffe passed away Thursday evening November 19th, 2020, at Coldwater Manor in Stratford, Texas.

Wanda was the only child of W.O. Odis and Opal (Ellison) Bryant. She was born in Wichita, Kansas June 30th, 1927. She came to Stratford with her parents in 1930. Odis and Opal made a career of ranching and farming. Wanda graduated from SHS in 1944. She continued her education getting a BS in foreign business at Texas Women’s University.

After graduation she returned to Stratford where she worked first at the ASCS office and substituted at the Stratford Public Schools.

Later she would marry Conrad Earl Riffe of Stratford on September 26th, 1949, continuing to substitute and be a homemaker. Wanda later requalified to teach Spanish and typing. To get uniquely qualified in Spanish she spent two summers in Mexico living and speaking only Spanish. She taught from 1965 to 1977 when she retired to pursue other endeavors. She helped many local businesses with bookkeeping and set type for the Stratford Star. Through her entire life she never lost her passion for learning and expanding her horizons.

She grew up in the Christian church. She moved to the Methodist church after marriage where she served as treasurer for several years plus being on several other committees at the church. She was a Worthy Matron in the Eastern Star and was on the board for the Sherman County Library and was the community liaison representative for the Sherman County Library to the Texas Panhandle Library System in the 80’s and 90’s. She finished Conrad’s term on the Stratford School Board. Wanda hosted a Great Books discussion club for 11 years. She was elected to Stratford city council and served as Mayor. Wanda helped and served with several other organizations.

Conrad preceded her in death on April 14, 1964. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her son, Bryant Earl Riffe, a host of nieces and nephews and cousins from all sides of the family.

A memorial service will be scheduled in the Spring or early Summer.

In lieu of flower, the family would appreciate donations to the Sherman County Public Library Endowment or the Stratford Area Foundation or the Stratford Education Foundation.