Wanda Materi

May 1, 1929–Dec. 27, 2024

Wanda Materi, age 95, of Upton, Wyoming, passed peacefully on Dec. 27, 2024, at Weston County Manor.

Wanda Mae Canfield was born May 1, 1929, at the ranch on Kara Creek to Willard and Ada Canfield. Along with her twin, Wallace, they joined sisters, Leona and Rachael, and brother Kenneth. Wanda attended rural schools and graduated top of her class from Upton High School in 1948. She then attended The University of Wyoming for one year.

Wanda married Dean Materi in 1949. To this union, five children were born, Ron, Randy, Doug, Paul, and Donna. Dean and Wanda built their home at the ranch south of Upton, where Wanda was the keeper of the bum lambs. Wanda actively participated in the community. She belonged to the Mother’s Afternoon Club, Ladies Bridge Club, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and Altar and Rosary Society, and was a 4-H leader.

Wanda began her career at the phone company. After taking a break to raise her children, she started working at Union State Bank, where she would retire from. She enjoyed her time at the bank, where she loved interacting with people — she never met a stranger! After retiring from the bank, she worked in her grandson Dustin's office for 15 years, which allowed her to continue connecting with others.

Wanda had many interests, including gardening, sewing, playing cards, and most importantly, spending time with her family and friends. She loved taking trips to Deadwood with anyone heading in that direction!

Survivors include her sons, Randy (Wanda) Materi of Weston, Wyoming, Doug (Sharon) Materi of Upton, Paul (Trudy) Materi of Sundance, Wyoming; daughter, Donna (Mark) Vigil of Upton, and daughter-in-law, Carla Materi of Upton; 17 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Materi; her son, Ron Materi; and grandson, Dustin Materi.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.