Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Wanda Yvonne Stewart, age 88, passed away on the morning of Wednesday, July 10. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Mom was born in Ada, Oklahoma, on May 9, 1936, the daughter of Sarah and Claud Hutchings. She was the 12th child of 17 to that union.
Mom moved to Evanston, Wyoming in 1953, at the age of 17. She then met and married Floyd Lee Atkinson in 1954. Together, they had three children, Brad, Brenda and Hazen, whom they both adored. They were later divorced.
In 1975 mom married Basil Stewart. With this union it brought his sons Brent, Blair, Bruce and Bart into the family. Mom and Basil just recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary.
She worked her entire career as a waitress for her brother, Gene, at his cafe.
More than anything, mom was a devoted wife, mother and sister. She was always there to offer a helping hand, guidance, support and encouragement, no matter what challenges they faced.
Mom loved many things. She loved spending time with her family and her days were often filled with phone calls with her brothers and sisters; sharing stories and catching up with each other.
Family gatherings, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas morning, were something she really looked forward to each year. She enjoyed many trips to Wendover with Basil and gambling.
She always had great luck and seemed to win more often than not. Mom also loved going camping and fishing with Basil and friends. She could really play a mean game of horseshoes.
Each week, she enjoyed going to the “beauty shop” to get her hair and nails done.
Finally, it goes without saying, she was a wonderful cook and loved spending time in the kitchen creating a meal.
Mom always showed gratitude and appreciation for anything that you would do for her. “Thanks a millions,” was a common phrase from her.
Mom was preceded in death by her mother and father, Sarah and Claud; her brothers and sisters, Atha, Raymond, Minnie, Elby, Lou, Albert, U.G. (Gene), Avenell, Barty, Barbara and Freada; and stepson Bart.
Mom is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Basil Stewart; her children, Brad Atkinson (Sue), Brenda Scritchfield (Terry Borton) and Hazen Atkinson (Lisa); her stepchildren, Brent Stewart (Rena), Blair Stewart (Lisa) and Bruce Stewart (Stacy); her grandchildren, Kendra (Phil), Brody (Stephanie), Justin (Chloe), Brittany (Paula), Cain, Alexis (Alex), Jennifer (David), Cole, Angelina, Caterina (Cody), Joelina, Gage and Braxton; nine great grandchildren; her brother, Dale; sisters, Ginger Ellingford, Johnnie Sue Hutchinson (Jim), Joan Harrison (Jim) and Kay Anderson (Mike).
Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.
A celebration of life will be held for family and close friends at a later date.
