1943
2020
April 25, 1943 - June 26, 2020.
Wanda was born to Orin K. Westfall (Tub) and Dessie Mae Westfall at their home in Lewis, CO. Being a rural part of Montezuma County, the doctor arrived at their home a day later and dated her birth certificate April 26. Much to her amusement, she had two days to celebrate her birthday. Wanda, also known as "Gabby" was the middle child of five children, all girls. She was raised in Lewis where she attended the Lewis School, grades 1-8, and high school in Cortez. She had many fond memories of her childhood and helping her father in his honey bee business.
Wanda married Delbert Risenhoover in 1959 and had two children, Monty and Cindy. Delbert and Wanda later divorced. In 1972 she married William "Bill" Turner and combined her family and his two boys, Alvin and Jason Turner with the addition of their own daughter, Torry. Wanda and Bill raised their family in Lewis, CO.
Wanda loved her community and worked at various businesses in Montezuma County. She also spent many years as the caretaker of the Lewis Sunnyside Cemetery. When Bill retired, they moved to Fredonia, Arizona where she continued to work in various convenience stores, including the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. After Bill's death she moved to Cortez until health concerns made it necessary to spend her time with children. At the time of her death she resided with her daughter Cindy and her husband, Pat Blackmer, in Grand Junction, CO.
She was preceded in death by her father Orin K. Westfall; mother, Dessie Mae Westfall; granddaughter Tanna Williams; and her husband William Turner. She is survived by her children Monty (Alli) Risenhoover, Cindy (Pat) Blackmer, Torry (Bryan) Heroux, Alvin (Jennifer) Turner and Jason (Denise) Turner; sisters Nina Dennison, Neoma Jorgensen, Olinda Giggloti and Dixie Kingsbury; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and lots of friends and family too numerous to mention.
Memorial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, September 6, 2020, at the Lewis-Arriola Community Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Love ya my nother Mama.. memories
Lesa Switzer
Friend
August 29, 2020
anda was a wonderful person & friend. Wanda and I worked together at the Molly Gibson Restaurant & Lounge for years. After I was Married and moved to Farmington. I heard Wanda had remarried. We lost track of one another but I will never forget all the laughs we had together. Sending my Condolences to all of the Family. Clara Jo Howard.
Clara Jo Howard.
July 15, 2020
Love you lots granny!
Teresa
Grandchild
July 12, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Dixie Kingsbury
Sister
July 11, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mark Nidiffer
Friend
July 9, 2020
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more