Wanda Jean Kastel

Wanda Jean Kastel, self-taught artist, poet, storyteller and retired composer for the Review Journal, passed away in Kingman, Ariz., Sept. 23, 2011, one month after celebrating her 80th birthday. Wanda was born Aug. 23, 1931 to Mancel Lee and Dixie Lee Armstrong in Vernon, Texas. A former Las Vegas resident since 1963, Wanda chose the peaceful community of Golden Valley, Ariz. for her retirement, where she has resided for the past 18 years. As a youngster, Wanda and her three sisters had a song and dance act, performing in the San Francisco area. She met her future husband and father of her children, saxophonist Richard Warren Kastel, while working as a hat-check girl in San Francisco. He was performing in the band with her step-father. She followed her husband to Washington, D.C. when he was drafted and played in the Army Band. Wanda toured the country with her husband. They lived in Mesquite, Texas, a suburb of Dallas for five years, where Wanda began work as a meat-wrapper in grocery store. Then in 1963 Wanda and her family moved to Las Vegas, where she continued to work as a meat-wrapper for a total of 17 years at Safeway, Raley's and other grocery chains. She modeled for Universal Models for a few years before joining the Don Rey Media composing staff at the Review Journal where she worked for 17 years before retiring. In 1993 Wanda moved to Golden Valley, Ariz., and enjoyed hobbies and spending time with her family going to HHRA drag races, and was a big fan of David Rampy. Wanda is lovingly remembered for her out-going personality, sense of humor, generous heart and unconditional love. Wanda is survived by her daughters Sandy (Harold) Kastel-Stout, Linda (Alex) Garza and Crystal (Kievan) Zohner; grandchildren Alejandro "Tres" Garza, III (Roberta Swartz), Nathan Lee (Kayleen) Garza and Chloé Rose Zohner; great-grandchildren Anthony "Tony" Garza and Kyle Mathew Garza; her sisters Anita Norton Alderman and Beverly Hurley; and son Brad Frankel. She is preceded in death by her sister, Pat Sutherland and niece Norma Jean (Justin) Fergusen. Visitation will be from 12-2 p.m., followed by services at 2 p.m., Saturday, October 1, at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas. Donations may be made in Wanda's name to WIMA- Women in Music and Arts, Fund Designation: Wanda Kastel Scholarship Fund, 9101 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 105-129, Las Vegas, 89117.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.