Wandalee Long (Campbell) Fontaine

Wandalee Long (Campbell) Fontaine
Wandalee Long (Campbell) Fontaine

Wandalee Long (Campbell) Fontaine, 85, of Amarillo, TX peacefully passed from this earth to her eternal heavenly home on January 9, 2021, at the BSA Hospital.  The family plans a private memorial service at Boxwell Brothers.

Wandalee was born in Amarillo on May 20, 1935, to H. L. and Wanda Long (Mimi) and was a life-long member of the First Baptist Church.  As a child, Wandalee and her family simply had to walk across the street to attend worship services. Though her family address changed numerous times over the years, First Baptist Church remained her church home.

Wandalee raised her four children, Louise, Lori, Susan, and Scott with a heart devoted to love and service for Christ. If the doors of First Baptist Church were open, then the Campbells were there.  Her faithfulness was a great gift to all. She was a dedicated volunteer as an English as a Second Language teacher, a Sunbeam leader for five-year-olds, a Bible Study leader for teens, and a summer camp counselor in Ponderosa, Colorado.

A 1953 graduate of Amarillo high school, she was on the debate team and was chosen as the Future Farmers of America (FFA) sweetheart her senior year. Wandalee went on to complete the program at Draughon’s Business College. All served her well.

Proud to be employed by a notable and meaningful organization, Wandalee worked for Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch from 1972 to 1990. In the years before her retirement, she represented the Ranch across the country as the Planned Giving Administrator. During her career, she participated in the Amarillo Chapter of the International Pilot’s Club for Business Women and the Panhandle Professional Women organization.

Wandalee’s family is so grateful for her perseverance and work ethic., And, oh, she had amazing talents as a seamstress and cross-stitcher.  She made clothes for herself and her children, including school dance formals, choir “uniforms”, Lori’s wedding dress, Scott’s costumes for high school dramas, as well as fabulous wardrobes for the menagerie of their favorite dolls.  Beautiful framed pieces of her cross-stitched artwork will be cherished for years to come.

With the birth of her first grandchild, Matthew, Wandalee became known as “Honey” to family and family friends.

In 1990, Wandalee married the love of her life, John B. Fontaine, and moved to his home in Kerrville, Texas. There, “Honey” taught Megan the joy of fresh Texas peaches. Wandalee and Jack shared a love for traveling, taking road trips around the country stopping to visit family, and going on cruises to explore the world.  She resided in Kerrville until her husband’s death in 1998.

Upon her return to Amarillo the following year, she found a refreshed sense of belonging in her home town and church. With a love for Christian missions, she traveled to the Holy Lands to walk where Jesus walked and to Russia to teach what Jesus taught.  She served as a Vacation Bible School assistant and a server for Kid’s Café, an FBC after-school meal program at Margaret Wills Elementary School.

At that time, a life-long friend invited Wandalee to become a volunteer at North West Texas Hospital Auxiliary.  She found a calling and worked diligently with others to sustain the valuable resource of volunteers at NWTHS.  She served as the president of the organization 2009 -2010.  Through the Auxiliary – In Service she updated members on policies and protocols and refreshed rules and regulations.  She greeted patients and visitors at the front desk of the Heart Hospital for many years.  Wandalee also served the Amarillo community as board secretary for Second Chance, a private foundation that helped fund equipment for people with mobility issues.  She was known as quite the stickler for Robert’s Rules of Order.

Wandalee was a gracious hostess often gathering family, friends, and loved ones in her home. In 2019 she moved to Brookdale Medi Park West, recognizing her welcoming demeanor and flair for hospitality, they named her an ambassador.

Wandalee’s strength, her steadfastness, and her smile will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Wandalee was preceded in death of her parents, husband, “Jack” Fontaine; brother, Hack Long; and beloved pet, “Annie.”  She is survived by her children: Louise Osteen and her husband, Wayne, of Amarillo; Lori Russell and her husband, Randy, of Knoxville, Tennessee; Susan Campbell of Columbus, Ohio; and Scott Campbell and his wife, Mary Hall Rodman of Asheville, North Carolina.  She is also survived by a grandson, Matthew Anderson (Alicia); a granddaughter, Megan Guthrie; granddog, Sara Lee Russell; a grandcat, Tess; a great-granddaughter; a great-grandson; and great-granddogs.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church’s Single Parent Family Fund.

16 Replies to “Wandalee Long (Campbell) Fontaine”

  1. I just saw this and wanted to express my sincere condolences. Lori, I haven’t seen you in ages, but I got to see your mom a few times the last few years and visit with her, and really loved her. She really was a beautiful lady inside and out, and always so gracious and kind. I know she and her precious puppy will add a bright light and lots of love to Heaven. Love, hugs and prayers to all.

  2. Ruth Mansfield
    Wandalee was a true friend and co-worker at Boys Ranch. I made contact with her by phone not long ago. Had texted more recently. I will miss her but know I will meet her in heaven.
    I can remember Louise, Lori, Susan and Scott and know you look forward to the day when you, too, will meet your mother.

  3. Sweet, Beautiful Wandalee was always so very generous and kind to everyone. I remember her leading us at camp as a youth and throughout my life at FBC she has always been a wonderful Christian Role-model!!! She will be missed but we will meet again in heaven!!! Prayers for your family at this time. I’m sure my Dad was there to welcome her into the Holy Land of Heaven!!!🥰

  4. Wanda Lee and the kids were our next door neighbors when we lived in Belmar and we went to FBC as well. When my Dad died in 1969, Wanda Lee and the kids took us to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang the day of his death so my Mom could take care of getting Daddys’ body back from Borger. Wanda Lee was one of the sweetest people I ever knew. To Lori, Louise, Susan and Scott I am so sorry for your loss but she is truly celebrating in Heaven

  5. Oh Louise, I’m so sorry! I just saw in the paper.. I dread telling my mom. She is still at Brookdale and just got back after having Covid. A lonely and hard time for them all. Your mom is secure in His hands, will never have to be lonely again and is happier than she has ever been!! Probably running in laughter! Praying for you guys as you miss her. Jeri

  6. Louise, please accept my condolences on your loss. I just wanted you to know I’m thinking of you and your family.

  7. Wandalee was always there serving at church . No one was more faithful. She always had time to talk and ask how I was doing. Thank you Wandalee for your service and care. You always put your love and faith in Christ into action. Thanks for your friendship.
    To the family— Wandalee was an inspiration. May the Lord give you peace and strength at your time of loss. But we know we will see Wandalee soon.

  8. Louise, Lori, Susan, and Scott – I loved your mama almost as much as my own. She always had a big smile, a kind word, and cared more for others than she did herself. The world will definitely be missing an angel walking among us. I consider you all family and have a special memory in my heart of each of you. I loved your tribute to her, it was absolutely wonderful! Please know many prayers will cover you.

  9. I’m so very sorry for the loss of your precious mother. She was such a joy in my life growing up.
    Anytime I saw her in the past few years, she always greeted me with a wonderful hug.
    Heaven gained a sweet and precious soul.
    Love and miss you.
    ❤🙏❤🙏

  10. Lori, your mother was a lovely lady, and I know you will miss her being just a phone call away. xoxo, alison

  11. I will miss my “Honey Bunny. I admired Wandalee’s quick wit, honesty and ability to make everyone feel special . I will always remember her sweet disposition, kindnes, her love of life and her love of her family and friends. I will miss her laugh and the way her eyes smiled when she talked to me. I was truly blessed to have called her my friend. Until we meet again “Honey”. I love you!

  12. She was my favorite cousin and always stayed in touch, no matter how far apart we were. I loved her dearly and will miss her every day. She was one of the good ones, full of love and positive words for me and for everyone. The world has lost one of its best. I love you Louise, Lori, Susan and Scott. Please call me anytime.

    Your cousin,
    Sherry Young

  13. WANDALEE WAS GREAT FRIEND TO MY FAMILY AND A TREMENDOUS ASSET TO CAL FARLEY;S BOYS RANCH, AND ALL HER ENDEAVORS.PRAYERS FOR HER LOVING FAMILY/GENE HAYMAN

  14. Sam and I were fortunate to be able to call Wandalee friend. We admired her
    “can do” attitude and her dedication to any task. Her friendly smile and welcoming attitude was infectious.
    She will be missed by all who knew her.

    Sam and Sally Cummings

  15. Sweet Wandalee. … you always had a kind word and a smile on your face. Thank you for the life you lived. You will be missed, but always remembered.
    Love and hugs, Stan and Kae Rae Austin

  16. Wandalee was the most beautiful woman that I know and I told her so every time I saw her. Everything about her was beautiful and I loved her so much. Such a sweet sweet spirit that I will truly miss.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *