Wanda Jean Murray Wach

Wanda Jean Murray Wach, born in Longview, Washington, on September 2, 1944, passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on April 2, 2025, in South Jordan, Utah with her husband Ray at her side. The oldest of twelve children, she was the daughter of Ernest Alvin Murray and Ellen Lucile Jacob. Wanda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Ray L. Wach; sons, Robert (Julie) Michael (Maria), Brian (Tara), and Jason (Kim); sisters, Priscilla Smith (Ryan), Nancy Diaz (Hilario), Heidi Sheridan (Tom) and Margaret Murray; brothers, Elmer “Rusty” Dodge (Susan), Keith Dodge (Robyn), Jonathan Dodge (Sheryl), and Nathan Dodge (Valerie); 13 grandchildren, Breanne, Lauren, Matthew, Michael, Jonathan, Pamela, Joshua, Mitchell, Cameron, Trevor, Emily, Annabelle and Ethan, and 11 great-grandchildren, Blake, Malia, Penelope, Carson, Brynna, Liam, Madelyn, Nolan, Elizabeth, Isabella, and Samantha.

Wanda was preceded in death by her daughter, Pamela Jean Wach; mother, Ellen L. Jacob Dodge; father, Ernest A. Murray; stepfather, Elmer G. Dodge; brother, Ernest “Laramie” Murray; sisters, Sally L. Gunter, Patricia Darlene Camphouse, and grandson, Eli R. Wach.

Wanda's life was marked by her deep love for family and her many passions. She raised her family in southern California in the towns of Redondo Beach and Cerritos. She and Ray retired in the communities of Eastvale, California; Meridian, Idaho; and South Jordan, Utah. She was dedicated to caring for those around her and was always there to offer support, wisdom, and a listening ear. She worked for many years at the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section, where her exceptional organizational skills were greatly valued.

Wanda loved photography, cooking, travel, anything Disney, ducks, writing, reading the scriptures, church books, westerns, pioneer history, scrapbooking, documenting family history, and her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was known for her optimism, kindness to all, and encouraging words even in difficult situations.

Throughout her life, Wanda made a significant impact on those she encountered, whether through her work, her church involvement, or cheering on her family. She served faithfully in several callings, including teaching youth and adults, as a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Through her service, she enriched and uplifted the lives of countless individuals while fostering enduring friendships that reached into the hundreds.

Her family brought her eternal joy. She cherished the scripture from 3 John 1:4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 12pm MST at Sagewood at Daybreak, 11289 S. Oakmond Road, South Jordan, Utah, where friends and family are invited to celebrate Wanda’s life and legacy. This will be streamed live on Zoom here

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/nlRrHgwU9eJf4Sc2zRzMG8PgPx0wq3DH9Xo7VKHQTlRsb8gFNj_SMNOzTwuw4kj4.hREHC8JN7qw3W_zX?startTime=1744480158000

The internment will take place at Cypress Forest Lawn Cemetery, Cypress, California, on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 12:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Daughters of Utah Pioneers in her memory. Wanda's family would like to thank everyone for their love, support, and prayers during this difficult time.