Wanda Wheeler

Former Shelley, Idaho resident, Wanda Wheeler, 93, died Oct. 29, 2007, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Wanda was born Sept. 9, 1914, in Jamestown/Shelley, Idaho. She was the oldest of seven children. She grew up riding horses and occasionally helping herd cattle.

In 1950, she came to Alaska on the steamship SS Aleutian. Landing in Seward, she took the train north, as there was no road to Anchorage. Wanda worked in Palmer with the Soil Conservation Service. While living in Palmer, she met her husband, Wayne Wheeler. They were married in 1951.

Wanda was an excellent photographer, developing her own pictures for many years. Often her photographs, which she had entered in contests, were published in the newspaper on Sundays in the Salt Lake and Idaho papers.

Wanda was involved in many organizations over the years in Alaska, including being an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; a founding member of MADD (Mothers' Against Drunk Drivers) in Alaska, where she coordinated courtroom monitoring; and the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. She also taught swimming, including handicapped swimming, for many years.

She worked for a variety of government agencies prior to retiring in 1981. While in her 70s, Wanda returned to college and earned her associate of arts degree in art at Anchorage Community College. She painted in oils, acrylics and watercolors. She was also an avid reader.

Some of her greatest joys in later years were her four grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. She was an independent woman with the courage to stand up for what she believed in and knew to be right.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Bart Quimby of Eagle River, Alaska; grandchildren and spouses, Tom and Mandy Quimby, Mike and Dene Quimby, Sarah Quimby and Bryan Quimby all of Eagle River, Alaska; sister, Mildred Kendrick of Shelley; and brother, Kenneth Anderson, of Rexburg.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Wheeler; parents, R.L. and Edna Anderson; and siblings, Mervin, Rex, Beulah and Arlan Anderson.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., and the life sketch will be presented at 10:30 a.m. at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 West Oak Street, Shelley, on Saturday, November 10th. Interment will be at 11 a.m. at the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery.