Wanda Fern Mowry

Wanda F. Steffensmeier was born 29, Oct. 1926 on her maternal grandfather’s wheat farm south of Oshkosh, NE. Wanda grew up on her parent’s farm north of McGrew, NE and attended Snell #25 country school. Her parents were Ralph H. and Pearl Correll Steffensmeier. Wanda graduated from Bridgeport High School and Chadron State College. In 1982 she completed her M.S at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

Wanda married James D. Mowry 23, Dec. 1950 in Minatare, NE and to this union two daughters Stephanie Ann and Jan Leigh were born.

Wanda taught Home Economics and Physical Education at Bayard High School while Jim was in the military service. Together they owned and operated the J&W Plumbing business in Bayard, NE. They later moved to Scottsbluff and Gering area. Wanda was a social worker for Scotts Bluff County for 5 years. She became the first supervisor for the Foster Grandparent Program. Her career led to the Cooperative Extension UNL in Scott Bluff County. Wanda received the outstanding Extension Educators Award in 1978 and the Creative Program Grant in 1984. She also served as President for the Nebraska State Home Economist Assoc. Wanda also received the Distinguished Service Award in 1988.

Since retiring Wanda continued her interest in family history and genealogy which started in 1969. She also enjoyed quilting, reading, swimming, volunteering, and traveling. Wanda served on several boards including North Platte Valley Museum Historical Society. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Scottsbluff and served as a Sunday school teacher, Deacon, and Session member. She was an active member in the Panhandle Quilt Guild and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her love was for her family and the many activities she did.

Survivors include daughters Stephanie Ann Shrader of Nebraska City, NE. and Jan Leigh (Douglas) Klein of Atwood KS.; grandsons, Ty (Josie) Shrader of Amarillo, TX., Heath (Ami) Klein of Atwood, KS.; five great grandchildren Jaxton, Kiefer and Teagan Shrader, Miles and Hudson Klein.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband Jim, parents, brother Marvin, infant brother Raph Doyle, stepmother Gladyce Stott Steffensmeier and beloved grandson Cody Klein and several brothers- in- law and sisters- in -law.

Her memorial service will be held Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church in Scottsbluff. At her request cremation has taken place. Memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church or Legacy of the Plains Museum. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.geringchapel.com. Gering Memorial Chapel is in charge of services.