Wanda Jean Dodge

It is easy to remember clearly when Wanda became part of our family. Her and Dad had been dating and they decided to ‘elope’. That meant a small ceremony with none of us there with them when they drove through a chapel in Vegas. Knowing that we would all be excited to see them – their ‘honeymoon’ trip immediately after was to come and see as many of us that they could. It happened to be this same week, 24 years ago. They partied at Red Lobster that night with Vegas family. It was the week of the Balloon Rally here in Prosser, WA - how fitting to come to town when we were already gathering and celebrating and having fun with our friends and family. Wanda went on her first (and definitely not her last) balloon ride that weekend. They had to catch up with the Colorado, Minnesota and California family members later.

Being born in Minnesota Wanda didn’t like the cold so visits to see her family there were intermittent and always in the summer. Same to Colorado. She and Dad were grateful for visits made to them in the winter months or during their annual spring trip to Hawaii where they welcomed many of us and other friends as well over the years. Visits from them were in the summer times, in between their own trips. They traveled a lot together teaching craft classes on cruise ships all over the country and the world. Square dancing was how they met and they did that as long as they could. She loved her first husband Bob very much and we enjoyed hearing stories of her as a business woman and wife. She still had much love to give after losing Bob and that was evident in how she loved our Dad, Mel, as well as us and our families. Wanda may have been our ‘step-mom’ but she was every bit a part of this side of the family; and mom, grandma, great grandma, sister, Aunt and friend to so many more. We are shocked to have lost her so early – she had a spirit and a fire that made us think she would be around for a very long time. We will be having a small, informal open house (per her wishes) to honor her at her home in Cherry Valley, CA on October 28. Further details will be forthcoming. You will be missed and we love you Wanda. We will be thinking of you and our fond memories as we take to the skies again this weekend in Prosser before returning to her home in California for our final farewell.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.weaver-mortuary.com for the Dodge family.