It is with profound sadness that I announce that Wanda June McIntire, age 88 of Castroville, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home, on November 3, 2020, after an illness. June spent her final days surrounded and being cared for by her devoted family.

June was born in Brownville, Nebraska, June 11, 1932, to Charles and Ruth Cook. Growing up in Nebraska, June was always helping others. Her mother, Ruth, ran an in-home nursing home where June was often found assisting with such daily tasks as caring for her younger siblings, cooking, cleaning, and tending for those in her mother's care, which later included June's father who became paralyzed after a fall.

While attending Nebraska City High School, June met the love of her life, Harlan Duane McIntire, and knew he was the one for her saying, "That's the man I'm going to marry." In 1950, she did just that, and so their story began. Duane joined the Air Force, where he served for twent-two years. June served right alongside him as an Air Force wife, homemaker, and mother to their daughter, Phyllis. June spent most of her days as a homemaker and caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether she was attending concerts, sporting events or academic presentations, she always supported her family as their biggest cheerleader.

Nanny and Papa, as they were lovingly called by family, spent many years traveling, from their many moves during his military career to their countless adventures living the RV life after his retirement. State parks and beaches were some of their favorite spots to visit while enjoying fishing, the salty air, nature walks, and time with family, although they would have gladly forgone some of the sand that often managed to get everywhere.

After retirement, Nanny and Papa lived in their home state of Nebraska for many years. They remained true scarlet-and-cream Husker fans, even after moving to Texas in the 1980s for warmer weather. They had previously been stationed in Texas during Papa's career in the Air Force.

Nanny always told us, "If you cannot say anything nice, do not say anything at all," and that's exactly how she lived her life. She always showed compassion and generosity, and never met a stranger. When you spoke with her, she truly listened. She could strike up a conversation anywhere with anyone and could remember the most minute details about it. When Nanny spoke, she did so with a soft voice and encouraging words - even if they were words we didn't want, but needed, to hear. And stories? Did she have some great ones to tell and she was always willing to share them! I hope you had the chance to sit with her and hear a few. Her door was always open, there was always room at her table, and quite often, a little snack to go with it.

Mere months away from their 60th anniversary, when Nanny lost her high school sweetheart and beloved husband, she lost a part of her heart as well. She wore a brave face and carried on for her family, but she soon longed for the day when she would be reunited with her true love. In the months before her passing, she had grown weary and was burdened by her earthly body. She had lived a long and full life and was ready to go home.

Whether you called her Mom, Nanny, Aunt Junie, or June, if you were blessed enough to have known her, your soul was undoubtedly touched by hers.  May you always carry her kindness with you. Nanny will forever be missed, but I am comforted by the knowledge that she has been rewarded by her Heavenly Father with a renewed spirit, a healed body, and a youthful mind. While Nanny has joined the arms of her beloved husband and family, rejoicing in heaven, I know that they are all watching over us here until we meet again soon.

June was preceded in death by her husband, Duane, in 2010; parents, Charles and Ruth Cook; and siblings, Iris Steckly, Charlene (Keith) Patton, Charles Cook Jr, and Jimmy Cook who died in infancy.

June is survived by her daughter, Phyllis Williams; her grandchildren, Kerry McIntire, Traci Williams, Andrew Williams; her great-grandchildren, Connor, Keely, Riley, Niamh, Dolan (Kerry), Jonathon, Justin, Andrea, Gavin (Traci), Serinity, Jason (Andrew); eight great-great-grandchildren; her brother, Jack Cook; and many cousins and great-nieces and great-nephews.

It was the wish of both Nanny and Papa to be cremated, and have their ashes mixed and scattered... together forever.

Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com to share condolences and memories.

I will forever cherish all those days spent together, Nanny, and the love we shared.  I have to go now, Nanny, but we'll talk again later.  K

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8