Wanda was born on April 21, 1933 in Ashland, Nebraska to her parents Anna and George McLain. She moved to Utah at a young age, where she grew up with her three sisters and one brother, Betty, Jeri, Dolores, and Willy. She later attended high school in Ogden, UT, then lived in Los Angeles, CA, Dallas, TX, and Phoenix, AZ, before eventually moving to El Paso, Texas. She became a mother to her children Alicia, Christopher, September, and Patrick during that time. She loyally served the United States Army as a member of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) for 2 years in 1953, then later attended Baylor Dental School and became a dental hygienist at the U.S. Army base at Fort Bliss, where she worked until age 75.
Wanda was a devout Catholic, showing her generosity in countless ways. She loved Christmas especially, a season to celebrate Jesus’ birth, and a reason to give the most thoughtful gifts to her loved ones. She loved cooking, and inspired others to cook, including her son Patrick, giving gifts of cookbooks, mixers, and kitchenware to those she loved. She was the first of four generations of black licorice lovers, and always had a drawer full of candy bars to share. Wanda was an avid reader, colorful storyteller, and had an infectious sense of humor, making everyone around her laugh. She was a lover of animals throughout her years, always with a loyal dog by her side.
Wanda is survived by her children, Alicia Farmer (m. Bill), Christopher Bogenholm, September Ochoa (m. Jim), and Patrick Rosser (m. Sondra Jones), grandchildren Nicole Bogenholm, Alana Harn (m. Andy), Dane Farmer (m. Bo Medina), Austen Ochoa, Julian Ochoa, Dylan Ochoa, Luca Rosser, and Mick Rosser, great grandchildren Anthony, Brandon and Nicholas Alfano (Nicole), Myla Farmer (Dane), and Hollyn and Saint Harn (Alana), and extended family Tammy Robertson.
The family extends a special thank you to Casa de Paz, especially owner Laura Paz and staff Efren Saavedra, where Wanda lived out her last few years, in a loving, warm, and peaceful home alongside her daughter’s mother-in-law, Rita. Wanda was grateful for their support and care.
The visitation will be held at Martin Funeral Home (West) on November 9, from 4-8pm with Rosary to be recited at 5 pm. Funeral mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on November 10, at 10am. Graveside Service will follow at 11:30 am at Memory Gardens of the Valley Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com for the Rosser family.
