Wanda 'Renee' Stevenson Gustaveson, 77

Wanda “Renee” Stevenson Gustaveson, 77, passed away on Feb. 12, 2015, at the Boundary Community Hospital Extended Care Facility in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Boise, Idaho, at a later date.

Renee was born on March 9, 1937, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Charles “Red” Stevenson and Wanda R Wessmen Stevenson.

Renee spent most of her young life in the Bountiful/Salt Lake City area of Utah. The oldest of four children, Renee helped raise her siblings, Gary, Bobbie and Sandy. She loved spending time with Aunt Donna and Uncle Buddy in the Mackay/Arco area of eastern Idaho. Family was important to her.

In May 1954, Renee married Dorian Gustaveson and together they had four children, Dan, Darrell, Tina and Mercury (Jeff). They later separated in 1984 and subsequently divorced. She was always searching for the next adventure. She spent her whole life looking for that adventure, living in Hawaii, Idaho, and Utah and even spending a year living in New York working as a nanny. She was an avid crafter, creating one of a kind quilts and afghans for her family.

Renee was a creative force enclosed in an atmosphere of pure energy. There was nothing that she would not try, including professional storyteller, leaving children of all ages enthralled with her words. Singer, novelist (unpublished), playwright, poet, puppet master, seamstress extraordinaire, hula dancer, meter maid, radio jock, librarian, car salesperson, dental assistant, real estate agent...she did them all.

And the games. If you were a child (and an occasional adult), she would draw you in and soon you’d playing Button, Button; Who stole the Cookies; Duck, Duck Goose, Mother May I?: Red Light, Green Light; Charades, Squeal Piggy, Squeal, Kiss the Blarney Stone and dozens more. She lived, she loved, she inspired.

Her parents Red and Wanda Stevenson, her brothers Gary Stevenson and Bobbie Stevenson, preceded Renee in death. Her family is sure that she is once again, singing and telling stories to all who will listen. They will miss all those songs, stories, and games.

Renee is survived by her children, Dan, Darrell (Terri), Tina Wilson and Mercury (Danielle) and her sister Sandy Dolar. She leaves behind 18 grandchildren and their families as well as many great-children, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Renee spent the last 20 years of her life, a victim of Alzheimer’s. For the last seven years, she lived in the Boundary Community Hospital Extended Care Facility, in Bonners Ferry. Under the care of Dr. Botkin, the nurses, CNAs and staff made sure that her needs were well taken care of. Renee’s family is thankful for their help in making her last few years comfortable.

Family and friends are invited to sign Renee ’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.