Wanda Faye Skulavik was born September 20, 1931, in Colorado City, Texas and passed away on September 27, 2023, in Great Falls, Montana. She had three sons; sons Stanley Newton and Leslie Cagle predeceased her. She is survived by her son, Mark Cagle of Yuma, Arizona; multiple grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

During her 92 years she had a complex and full life. In her lifetime, she resided in Escalon and Los Angeles, California, Texas, and Montana. She started working at the age of five picking almonds from the ground and kept herself busy in one job or another throughout her life. She worked as a cosmetologist for many years. Later she was a dog walker and pet sitter. 

Aunt Wanda was at her home enjoying her well-manicured yard with her beloved dachshund, Jake, when she departed. It was a lovely fall afternoon and at the time-of-day Aunt Wanda would sit and indulge in pre-dinner chips.

She never forgot a birthday. All family and friends received cards on time. Aunt Wanda, as she preferred to be called by most of us, had many other gifts and talents, but remembering everyone’s birthday cannot go unnoticed.

Aunt Wanda was fun! She reveled in a travel adventure. She enjoyed dressing up, usually in a hat. As a free spirit herself, she valued other free spirits. She also loved her independence, living in her own home and driving her Jeep. Pets and animals were dear to Wanda. One of her happiest days was the adoption of Jake. They loved each other; true affection.

In her later years, her life was happy and peaceful. She read, tended to her house and yard, went to the market, walked Jake, and visited with friends and family on the phone. Aunt Wanda’s philosophy was: “Do things that make you happy.”

She will be greatly missed. 

A celebration of Wanda’s life will be held at a time and place to be determined. Memorials can be made to the Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center (mc-aac.org).

The Escalon (Calif.) Times

Nov. 15, 2023