Wanda Lee Strech

Reverand Wanda Lee Strech, who was a beloved member of her community and faithful servant of God, has sadly passed on November 18, 2025, of natural causes in Olympia, WA.

Wanda was born April 3, 1930, in Lakewood, TX to loving parents Claude and Lyda Ivey. As a child until teen years, Wanda and her family lived in Lubbock, TX. They then moved to Compton, CA until her marriage to Robert Strech in 1946 when the happy couple moved to Nyland, CA to be a pastor for 3 years. Wanda and Robert married April 21,1946 in Compton, CA. Another move in January of 1964 landed them in Chehalis, WA where they enjoyed their home together for 28 years and founded the Full Gospel Lighthouse Church. They later moved to Southerlin, OR, where Wanda served as Pastoral Counselor before coming back to WA, for a final move and settling down in Olympia.

Reverand Wanda Strech received her doctorate degree in Ministry and was member and representative of the National Christian Counseling Association. She also founded the Lighthouse Bible Institute, a four-year accredited Bible College. She was an Evangelist and Pastor for over 30 years with Grace International FKA California Evangelist Assoc. (CEA). She traveled to Africa and Central America as a guest speaker for pastoral and Evangelistic seminars. In addition, you could hear her on KELA radio in Lewis County every Sunday for over 20 years, sharing inspirational messages of healing and hope in Jesus. She was also a member of the Woman’s Aglow organization.

Outside of her devotion to her church, Wanda enjoyed reading and road trips with her husband and children. She was a devoted wife and loving mother to three beautiful children whom she leaves behind.

Wanda is survived by Daughters Sandra Strech-Raciceot of Ottawa Canada and Lyla Grimm of Clearwater (FL) as well as Son Lyle Strech Cottonwood (CA). She also leaves behind six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren whom she cherished deeply. She is proceeded in death by her husband Robert Strech, sister Winona Coleman, and parents Clyde and Lyda Ivey-Redding.

There will be a service held in her honor January 17, 2026 @ 11:00 AM at the People’s Church, 6801 E. Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98664.