Wanda Harper Bush, 84, passed away on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 in the Heart of Texas Memorial Hospital in Brady. She is survived by a daughter, Shanna Bush, brother A.C. Harper, brother and sister-in-law, Billy and Carol Bush, numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

She was born to Alvin and Gussie Martin Harper on October 6, 1931. She married Stanley Bush on March 31, 1957. Their daughter Shanna was born August 14, 1959.

At an early age she began her impressive and successful career with horses. Over a 50 year career she showed halter horses, reining horses, cutting horses plus roped calves and raised and trained many of the best barrel horses in the world. She had a God given talent with a horse that was only secondary to her work ethic.

She had an incredible way of teaching students at her barrel racing schools worldwide. She always enjoyed seeing students or friends improve. Wanda gave of herself and shared her knowledge with anyone that needed it.

Wanda was inducted into numerous Hall of Fames and won many World Championships, but she always stayed very humble, loving her family and the family ranch more than any honor.

She was a true friend to many, an icon and legend in the horse world, but always cared for the hard work more than all the titles.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Misty Criswell and Jana Haley who were Wanda's true angels on this earth. Dr. Jeff Mays and his staff, all the incredible nurses at the Brady Hospital and Dr. Samuel Kasberg and his special nurses in wound care at San Angelo Community Hospital.

Visitation with the family will be Saturday evening from 4 to 7 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Sunday, January 3, at 2:00 p.m. in the Mason Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the Harper-Bush Family Cemetery.