Wanda Wasden, age 98, passed away Oct. 30, 2012, in Draper, Utah. She was born to Andrew and Mae Johnson, May 9, 1914, in Vernal, Utah. The family, including five sisters and two brothers raised cattle, sheep, pigs and chickens, as well as grain and produce. Wanda met her husband, Howard Wasden, while attending Brigham Young University, where she earned her degree and studied music and nutrition. Wanda was interested in learning throughout her entire life, but these two subjects were of particular interest. While in school, she played piano in several recitals and accompanied the university chorus for all four years. The couple were married in 1932, in Las Vegas, where they built several homes, including beautiful gardens. Wanda taught school and became a bookkeeper, but made her most important career decision, to teach piano, so that she could stay home with her two daughters, Alyce and Melody. Over the course of 62 years, Wanda taught hundreds of students and helped to found the Nevada Music Teachers Association, of which she served as president, and secretary. She organized and supervised the first "Monster Concert" and was almost entirely responsible for instituting accreditation for high school music students in the school district. Her husband, also an educator, was primarily known for his school's namesake, Howard Wasden Elementary. As residents of Las Vegas for over 72 years, this couple were true pioneers in the education system of Nevada. Wanda was a world traveler, but equally loved to stay at home, gardening, cooking, doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles. She learned to play the organ and became the church organist in her ward, happily accompanying any and all singers. She had a sharp mind and a deep love for her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard; and an infant son, Howard Alan; as well as her parents; brothers; and all but one sister, Ione Simpson. She is also survived by children, Michael (Lynette), Alyce (Tom) and Melody (Ken); as well as 12 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. Viewing will be noon-12:45 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, with services following at 1 p.m., both at the LDS Palora Chapel, 1725 Palora, Las Vegas. Burial will be at Eden Vale Memorial Park, 1216 Las Vegas Blvd. N.

Published in the Las Vegas Review Journal on November 3, 2012. Used by permission.