Wanda Lucille Hartz

Wanda Lucille Hartz, born on April 21, 1937 to Alfred and Cleda Hildebrand in Stuttgart, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, October 21, 2023. Her parents, her husband Jake Hartz of Stuttgart, and her brother Vernon Hildebrand of Geeridge, preceded her in death.

She is survived by her devoted children, Lisa Roark (Dave Norris), Carl Hunter Northcutt (Anita), Ben Northcutt, and Tricia Heintze (Arnette); eight grandchildren; one step-grandchild; her brother Raymond Hildebrand; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Wanda was a trailblazer – succeeding in education and a professional life – while leading the way for other women to follow. She graduated from Stuttgart High School in 1954 and from the University of Arkansas in 1957 where she earned a BA in biology and a minor in chemistry. She was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She also earned a BS in medical technology in 1959 from the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences. Despite her extensive scientific and medical training, Wanda followed the lead of her dad and became a rice and soybean farmer, her occupation at the time of her death.

After years of community engagement and volunteerism, Wanda was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives in 1985. That was the only election where she faced opposition, and she served her constituents until term limits forced her to retire from the legislature in 1998. When she was elected, there were only a few other women in the House, but those women became close friends and fierce advocates for their communities. Wanda was most proud of the things she could do to help individuals with a need, but also took particular pride in how her championing of medical advancements and the conservation and protection of state aquifers would benefit her rural community.

After her retirement from the legislature, Wanda’s contributions were acknowledged with many awards for her service and dedication. She served on the boards of BancorpSouth in Stuttgart, the Phillips Community College Foundation, and the White River Irrigation District, and was president of Hildebrand Farm, Inc.

A celebration of life will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dr. Jerry Morgan Scholarship Fund, c/o Baptist Health Medical Center-Stuttgart, c/o Kimberly Morgan, 1701 N. Buerkle St., Stuttgart, AR 72160 or to the Stuttgart Public Library, 2002 S. Buerkle St., Stuttgart, AR 72160.