Wanda Sue Blair

On September 22, 1961, Wanda married John Blair. They enjoyed 51 years together as husband and wife and lifelong best friends. They went everywhere together and where you'd find one, you'd usually find the other. In 1967, they welcomed a daughter, Carmen, to their little family.

Wanda worked many years at Marley Orchards packing apples before she became the breakfast cook at Marcus Whitman Elementary. She loved telling stories about the antics of the kids in the breakfast line and the ones who snuck back for seconds when the teachers weren't looking.

Wanda enjoyed many things, and while some would call it a simple life, that's just the way she liked it. She enjoyed reading and always had a book going. Her flower gardening brought her lots of happiness (unless the gophers got to them). She was always up for a good hiking or camping trip and one of her proudest trips was when the family spent a few days hiking from Chinook Pass to White Pass. The only disappointment of the hike was that she forgot the film for her camera and Carmen dropped her camera in a creek, so there were never any pictures from the trip.

Of all things, music was probably the greatest passion of all her hobbies. The last several years, she took guitar lessons and was always so excited when she mastered a new song. Wanda and John made many trips and many friends while going to various Bluegrass festivals around the state. A few years ago, they took a trip to California to see mom's favorite band, Simon & Garfunkel. She was so excited before the show and couldn't sleep that night afterwards. She was so happy that she had been in the audience that night.

Family was always at the forefront for Wanda. Wanda always looked forward to family get-togethers, even if it was just for a hot dog and chili feed. Mom would do anything she could for her loved ones and showed it time and time again throughout the years. It always made her happy to pick up a little trinket that she knew would put a smile on your face, or making something by hand for her family. Her homemade pillowcases made of bright, colorful fabric were a big hit with the grandkids, and her baked goodies were always looked forward to and enjoyed by the guys at the Highland bus garage while dad still worked there.

Mom will be missed not only for all the things she did for us, but because of the kindness and love she shared with all those around her. God has truly brought home the best angel.

Her family would like to extend a very special thank you to JoAnn and Danielle of Yakima Regional Hospice for the tender and thoughtful care they took of mom, as well as the time they took to answer all our questions and concerns. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Yakima Regional Hospice or the Alzheimer's Association in mom's name."

She is survived by her husband, John Blair of Cowiche, WA; her daughter, Carmen (Jason) Stugelmayer of Cowiche; three grandchildren, Eric Denier, Cara Denier and Trey Denier; four brothers and sisters, Paul (Pat) Rogers of Gleed, Margie (Steve) Wurtz of Yakima, Marylou (Ron) Hays of Selah and David (Dixie) Rogers of Port Angeles, WA and several nieces and nephews. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Dwayne Rogers.

A graveside service will be held at West Hills Memorial Park on Monday, October 22, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. Those wishing to attend should meet at the cemetery. To celebrate the life of Wanda and share a memory, visit www.keithandkeith.com.