Wanda Stafford Hutches, age 73 of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, passed away at her home on Saturday, June 23, 2018 with her family by her side. She was born on Saturday, July 15, 1944, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Oscar, Sr. and Lillie Mae Meliet Stafford. Wanda retired from Elmer's Candy Company in Ponchatoula, as Customer Service Manager, after 28 years of service. She was an active member of Holy Ghost Catholic church in Hammond where she served in the RCIA Ministry for 18 years, the last 9 as Director. Wanda loved to travel and had been to Europe, Australia and Hawaii although her favorite spot was likely just a quiet white sandy beach on the gulf coast.  She was also an avid reader and member of a book club. She loved her many grandchildren who all knew her as "Meme". 

Wanda is survived by her daughter, Larisa Hutches Mears, her sons, Phillip Hutches and his wife Sandra P. and David Hutches and his wife Connie R., her grandchildren, Hayden, Maddison, Steven, Justin and Morgan, also many nieces, nephews and close friends. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Oscar, Sr. and Lillie Mae Meliet Stafford, her husband, James "Jim" Hutches, her sister, Helen Griggs and her brother, Oscar Stafford, Jr. 

Visitation for Wanda will be held on Monday, June 25, 2018 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond and will continue on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 from 9:00am until 11:00am at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Hammond. A funeral Mass celebrating Wanda's life will immediately follow visitation at 11:00am in the church. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Baton Rouge. 

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond. 

Wanda's guest book can be viewed at www.harrymckneely.com.