Wanda was born in Coffeyville, Kansas to Elmer and Ruth Gergen. She grew up in and around Coffeyville and moved to Oregon in the mid 50’s, living in Valsetz, OR for a few years and then moving to Myrtle Point, Oregon in 1957.

After her divorce in 1969, she continued to live in Myrtle Point as a single mother and raise her three children. In 1979, she moved to Albany.

During her working life Wanda was a grocery clerk at McKay’s Market in Myrtle Point from 1969-1979, and then North Albany Market Place in Albany from 1979 until her retirement in 1998.

She dearly loved traveling when she could and spending time with her family. She was always present at family gatherings, always laughing and smiling and joining in on the fun.

Her hobby was making hand stitched quilts and baking and cooking for anyone who came through her door. Whether it was mealtime or not, there was always something served up.

Wanda is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Ruth Gergen; sister/brother-in-law Beverly and Robert Hammond; and sister Jane Pierce, all of Albany; and brother Donald Gergen of Salem.

Wanda is survived by her two sons, Dale King, whereabouts unknown, Daniel King of Albany; daughter Mary Vannice of Molalla; and sister/brother-in-law Edna/Loren Lippert of Salem and Pat/Charles Diggs of Kent, Washington. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Graveside services took place December 22 at Twin Oaks Cemetery for close friends and family members with AAsum-Dufour Funeral home handling the arrangements.

The family would love to acknowledge Samaritan Evergreen Hospice for their caring and loving assistance with Wanda’s care during the last few months. They were very instrumental in helping the family to keep her at home which was her biggest desire.

In addition, our thanks to AAsum-Dufour for their kind and caring assistance through the process of getting mom laid to rest. Words just cannot express our full appreciation to them both.

In remembrance of our mother, sister, aunt the family requests donations, in lieu of flowers, be made to The Alzheimer's Association.