Wanda Maxine Carpender

Wanda Maxine Carpender passed away suddenly on Jan. 31, in Bonner’s Ferry with her loving husband Sam by her side.

She was born on May 15, 1932 to Walter and Grace Runyon in Hayes, Kan.

During the Great Depression, Wanda lived in many small towns in Kansas, with Marysville being her favorite.

In 1945 Wanda and her family moved to Omaha, Neb. In 1947, she met Sam Carpender and only God could have joined two people born under the same wandering star on Sept. 3, 1950, and boy did they ever wander!

They moved from Omaha to Plymouth, Mich, to Laconia, Mich. to La Mirada, Calif, to Escondido, Calif. to Valley Center, Calif. to Eureka, Mont. to Montana City, Mont. to Ennis, Mont. to Dillon, Mont. and finally to Bonner’s Ferry.

Wanda made many friends in all of the stops as her Christmas card list seemed endless!

She is survived by her husband Sam and her children: Michael (Anne-Marie), Debra, and Carol (Phil). Her grandchildren: Katie, Natasha, Colin, Sam and Alex. Also survived by her brother-in-law Mark, sister-in-law Mag, her many nieces and nephews, and devoted dog Willow.

Preceded in death by her parents: Walter and Grace, sister: Gwen, her beloved son: David and her many rescued pets.

A memorial service is being planned for May 14, 2017. Details will be shared at a later date.

If you would like to remember Mom, please, consider a donation to the Second Chance Animal Shelter in Bonner’s Ferry or nationally, with the ASPCA. Or anytime you are enjoying a hot fudge sundae...think of Wanda!

She was our rock and will be dearly missed by every one of us.

“The joy of the Journey is in the ride.”