Wanda Faye Sims

SIMS, Wanda Faye (Lawles), age almost 103, formerly of London, Ohio and Tucson, Arizona, passed away Monday, November 2, 2026 at StoryPoint Assisted Living in Tipp City, Ohio. Wanda was born November 4, 1923 in Columbus, Ohio, daughter of the late Samuel H. & Carrie Kathryn (Lynch) Lawles. Wanda was preceded in death by her husband Robert Lewis Sims.

Wanda is survived by her daughters Robyn (Duane) Wolf of Vandalia, Ohio; and Janet (Greg) Lee of Westerville, Ohio; and granddaughter Grace Wolf of Newport News, Virginia.

Growing up during the depression, Wanda did what she could to contribute to the family, helping her mother do cleaning, laundry and ironing for people in the neighborhood. She was an expert roller skater, being invited to go to New York for a competition. But during the depression there was no extra money to spare, so she was unable to go. In high school, Wanda was very athletic, playing both basketball and softball. As a softball pitcher, Wanda excelled during 1940 in the Church league with a record of 13 wins, including one no-hitter, and only 2 defeats. She was equally productive at the plate, batting an impressive .500.

As a young adult, Wanda held several jobs including as a personal assistant at the RKO Palace theater and as a secretary at the Broad Street Presbyterian Church.

At a church social Wanda met Bob, a soldier recently returned from the war in Europe, and an aspiring florist. He became the love of her life and on May 15, 1948, they were married, with Bob making all of the flower arrangements for the wedding. The next 72½ years were spent sharing their wonderful life together.

While living in London, Ohio, Bob and Wanda owned and operated Sims’ Florist for 33 years. Bob had a passion for creating beautiful flower arrangements while Wanda took care of the customer service and everything else. The whole family was involved in the business with the daughters helping out with the deliveries.

After retirement, Bob & Wanda moved to Tucson, Arizona for the second phase of their life together. In Arizona Wanda enjoyed traveling, hiking, shopping, playing cards, attending potlucks, and the Arizona heat. Wanda valued her church relationships and the church families she met everywhere she lived.

In 2019, Wanda began the final journey of her life. She came back to Ohio at the age of 96 where she and Bob moved into Randall Residence in Tipp City (now StoryPoint). Wanda loved to decorate their room for each season, changing the décor many times throughout the year. After Bob passed away in early 2021, Wanda continued caring for an outside flower bed, planting each spring and watering until age 100. The journey has now ended and Wanda has rejoined Bob for the rest of eternity to be spent with their savior, Jesus Christ.

The family would like to thank the staff at StoryPoint for their care and compassion during the seven years that Wanda resided there. We would also like to thank Hospice of Miami County for their assistance during the final stage of Wanda’s journey.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, Vandalia, Ohio, where a private family service will be held. Interment will be at Concord Cemetery, Grove City, Ohio.