Our beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend returned home to her Heavenly Father on March 4, 2016 as a result of Alzheimer's disease. Wanda and her twin sister Wilma were born in a schoolhouse in Twin Groves, ID on Oct. 2, 1934 to William W. Klingler and Ruby A. Staker. She went to Granite High School and married her high school sweetheart John K. Fortie on July 9, 1954 in the Logan Temple. They were married over 61 years and raised four children. The first challenge in their young lives was the decision to have John serve an LDS mission following the Korean conflict, when missionaries were once again allowed to serve. Wanda was expecting their first child when John received his mission call to Canada on Dec. 16,1955. Their first son was born while John was serving as a missionary. That was a test of her faith as she faced the challenges of working, raising their young son, supporting John on his mission, and purchasing their first new home.
Wanda enjoyed playing sports as a youth, surprising many young men her age with her exceptional abilities. Music also played a major part throughout Wanda's life where she sang with her two sisters for many church, school and community functions. She continued singing together with her husband John for many years to follow. Many fond memories were experienced at home sitting around the piano while she played, singing together as a family. She taught all of her children to have a love of music that has continued throughout their lives.
Wanda is a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and enjoyed serving in many different church callings. Some of these callings included; Relief Society President, Young Women's President, serving in the Primary and various activities and councils both in Utah and the short period of time while living in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She found great joy in doing service for others. No matter who you were, if you walked through her front door, you were treated as family. She had a big heart and an even greater testimony. Her sense of humor could make anyone laugh within a matter of minutes, helping those around her to feel comfortable and like they had known her for a long time. Wanda brought light everywhere she went and lived life to the fullest. She always put family first, supporting each of her children in all of their individual endeavors. Her tireless devotion and dedication to the growth and development of her children in life and within the gospel of Jesus Christ was always first and foremost in everything she strived to do.
Much to others' surprise, she was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching football and baseball games. She cheered a little louder when BYU was playing and could teach the officials a thing or two when it came to making the right calls. You could always find her right in the middle of any group cheering the "Y" on to victory until the time Alzheimer's took over. Even then, she would still battle through the pain and discomfort just to be with family.
Wanda is preceded in death by her baby sister Beverly Kay and her parents. She is survived by her devoted husband John, her four children: Ken (Tami), Curt (Mary Kay), Linda (Mike) and Cheryl (Alan), her sisters: Lois and Wilma, brothers: Dale and Keith, sixteen grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly. Her face would light up whenever the great grandchildren would come to visit. She loved the young children. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Harmony Hospice for their loving care during the last several months. Also, to the family members who provided such loving daily care to ensure mom was comfortable and had all the love and devotion that she freely gave to her family for decades.
Viewings will be held Fri., March 11 from 6-8 pm and Sat., March 12 from 9:30-10:30 at the Butler Hills Chapel, 2700 E 7000 S. The funeral will be held on Sat., March 12 at 11:00 am at the same location. Interment to follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.), Sandy.
