Beloved Osgood Beautician Wanda Sue Shook Passes at 72, Leaving Legacy

Clermont, Florida, USA - Wanda Sue Shook, a beloved resident of Osgood, passed away at her home on July 3, 2025. She was 72 years old. Born on July 7, 1952, in Batesville, Wanda was the daughter of Roscoe and Virginia Schonfeld Shook. She leaves behind a loving family, including two sisters, Libby (Jeff) Updike of Clermont, Florida, and Donna (Steve) Shade of Denton, North Carolina, as well as several nieces and nephews, including Tera Beverly and Kimberely Updike from Kokomo, Adam Shade and William Shade from North Carolina, and her great-nephew, Landon Sweatt. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents and her nephew Barry Beverly, Jr. Ripley News reports that she graduated from South Ripley High School in 1971 and pursued a career in cosmetology at the Southeastern Career Center. For more than three decades, she operated her own salon, Wanda’s Beauty Salon, providing her community with hair care and fostering deep friendships along the way.

Wanda wasn’t just a beautician; she had a passion for various crafts, enjoyed nurturing her flower garden, and was known for her delightful baking. Her talents extended beyond mere skills; they were expressions of her love for life and community. The visitation for Wanda is set for July 9, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles, with burial to follow at Cliff Hill Cemetery.

Community Connections and Legacy

Wanda’s life mirrors the changing dynamics of modern funeral practices that many families are now navigating. The funeral industry is experiencing the most substantial shift in over 200 years, with changing consumer demands paving the way for new trends in how we say farewell to our loved ones. According to DFS Memorials, cremation is becoming increasingly popular, with national rates at around 60.1% last year and projected to reach 80% by 2030. This shift reflects a desire for more affordable and simpler options, such as direct cremation, which is estimated to account for up to 80% of cremation cases handled by some providers.

Interestingly, alongside the move toward cremation, there’s a growing interest in eco-friendly funeral alternatives. Many are considering natural burial options, prompting traditional cemeteries to introduce hybrid green burial sections. Personalization has also become an important aspect of memorialization, with families wanting services that truly reflect their loved one’s identities. It’s a refreshing twist compared to the more conventional, somber rituals of the past.

Shifts in Rituals and Personal Choices

As families embrace these new trends, there is also a noticeable departure from traditional funeral conventions. Some are opting for Life Celebration events that spotlight the joy of life rather than the sorrow of loss. This aligns with the rising trend of DIY funerals where families take the lead in planning and conducting their own services, rather than relying solely on funeral homes.

A trend that resonates more than ever is the desire for more personal touches in memorials. As highlighted by the continuous shift in societal perspectives on death care, today’s families are looking for ways to honor their loved ones that resonate with their personal beliefs and values. With organizations available to support families interested in conducting family-led funerals, the landscape of death care is evolving, offering both opportunities and challenges to funeral service providers.

Amid these transformations, it’s vital to cherish the memories and legacies left behind by individuals like Wanda Sue Shook. Her contributions to her community as a beautician, her enthusiasm for crafts, and her boundless love for family and friends will surely be missed. Memorials in her name can be given to Cliff Hill Cemetery, ensuring that her spirit continues to be part of the community she cherished so much.