Wanda Daniels

Wanda Daniels passed away at her home in Elk Mountain, WY, on April 16, 2021.  She was 81.

She was born Wanda June Makinen on May 29, 1939, in Colfax, CA to Buster and Lyle (Hyatt) Makinen.  She was one of two children.  She married Ralph Daniels Jr. in 1957 and had three children, John, Newt, and Missy before later divorcing.  Wanda attended school in Elk Mountain where she graduated as valedictorian in 1957.

Wanda loved to collect bells and old books, crochet, and read.  She was active in the Carbon County 4-H program with her children and grandchildren.  She previously served on the Elk Mountain Town Council and was active in community events, including the centennial celebration of the Town of Elk Mountain.  She enjoyed going to “Wednesdays with the Ladies.”  Wanda was an excellent baker and loved to share her goodies with whomever came to visit.  She worked at the schools in Hanna and Elk Mountain for many years then went to work at the Bureau of Land Management in Rawlins, WY before retiring in 2002.  Wanda loved being a grandma, a “grandma great,” and an “aunt” to many family members.  She loved spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her children, Newt Daniels of Elk Mountain, WY and Missy Cook of Cheyenne, WY; her three grandchildren, Amy Provstgaard of Battlement Mesa, CO, Kyle Cook of Rawlins, WY, and Tara Cook of Cheyenne, WY; and five great grandchildren, Melissa Cook and James Provstgaard of Battlement Mesa; Ethan and Leilah Cook of Rawlins, WY; and Matthew Hafer.  She is also survived by her aunt Norma Hottman of Sacramento, CA; nieces Jacki Leuloff of Idaho Falls, ID and Susan Smith of Rexburg, ID; and special cousins Sheri and Buster Johnson of Elk Mountain, WY, and Dennis and Cathy Wick of Elk Mountain, WY.

She is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents; son John Daniels; sister Patricia Smith; great grandson Matthew; and numerous other relatives and friends.

She was very much loved by her family and friends and will be missed beyond words.  A celebration of her life is planned for later this year.