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Wanda Lou (Mattern) Doverspike, 92, peacefully entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Monday. Wanda was raised on her family's farm outside of Hollidaysburg. She was one of 11 children born to Harry and Winnifred Mattern, who instilled in her a lifelong love of faith, family, hard work and service to others.
Following high school, Wanda attended Spartanburg Female College before transferring to Asbury College, where she earned her degree in Elementary Education. It was there that she met her husband, C. Leroy Doverspike. Together they shared nearly 55 years of marriage, building a life rooted in Christian faith, devoted family life and pastoral ministry.
Their ministry started at Oriole-Oval-Antes Fort Charge and Trevorton. Wanda taught school while in Pennsylvania and followed Leroy to Ohio to continue teaching while Leroy attended Asbury Seminary and served at Marathon-Fayetteville-Newtonsville Churches in the West Ohio Conference. After Leroy graduated from seminary, Wanda faithfully served alongside him in full-time ministry for 40 years. Their journey led them to Trinity United Methodist Church Altoona, First Church Greencastle, the founding pastor of Aldersgate United Methodist Church Mechanicsburg, Wellsboro United Methodist Church, and retired from Lohrs Memorial United Methodist Church, Hanover. Wanda was a member at Bethany United Methodist Church where Leroy served as a Coordinator of Caring Ministries after retirement. Throughout the years, Wanda embraced her role as a pastor's wife with grace and compassion. In addition, she generously used her talents to help support her family, dedicating herself to meaningful work in both the retail and food service industries.
Wanda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, C. Leroy Doverspike; her parents, Harry and Winnifred Mattern; and her siblings: Susenna Fouse, Ida Mae Snyder, Joe Mattern, Eddie Mattern, Carolyn Alkerman, Dave Mattern, Kathie Conrad and Ron Mattern.
She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory -- her children: Michal Renee Buchanan (Mark) of Lawrenceburg, Ky., Keith Reed Doverspike of Upper Marlboro, Md., and Tina Marie Colton (Bill) of Wellsboro; her sisters, Harriet Koelle and Verge Soult (Dan); her grandchildren: Rachel Smith (Joshua), Rebekah Vandenbroek (Eddie), Noah and Abigail Colton; and her seven great-grandchildren: Abbie Holman (Nick), Max and Luc Vandenbroek, Adrian and Mila Smith and Pippa Lou Vandenbroek. She will also be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.
Her steadfast faith was evident in the way she loved others, served faithfully and trusted God through every season of life. Her service included teaching Sunday school, leading Bible studies and prayer meetings, supporting missionary endeavors, conducting children's choir, led Vacation Bible Schools, provided children's messages and musicals, participated in church choirs and the United Methodist Women's organization. She faithfully prayed for everyone, but her constant prayer request was for "all the children of the world."
"Well done, good and faithful servant ... Enter into the joy of your master." -- Matthew 25:23
Family and friends will celebrate Wanda's life from 9 until the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, at Second Avenue Global Methodist Church, Altoona.
Arrangements are by Myers-Somers Funeral Home Inc., Altoona.
Contributions may be made in Wanda's memory to Bethel Park Camp Meeting, P.O. Box 58, Fishertown, PA 15539; or Bethany United Methodist Church, 121 W. Broadway, Red Lion, PA 17356.
myerssomersfuneralhome.com