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Wanda Chatham Obituary
Palo Cedro, CA
October 7, 1947 - January 23, 2016
Wanda had a way about her that brightened a crowded room with her vibrant powerful stories, knowledge of history, particularly family history and her desire to entertain and please.
Wanda was an Enterprise High graduate where she met the love of her life, Roy. This year they celebrated 50 years of marriage! After high school they spent most of their life together in Bella Vista, CA on the Chatham Family Ranch where they raised their boys Gordon and Chad, later upon retirement, moving to Palo Cedro, CA.
As a young lady Wanda worked at an old eatery called the Pac Out later moving on to a long 33 year career at Bella Vista School starting as a Classroom Aide, here she learned her passion for children. She began the first computer program at Bella Vista School, running the lab for years. Later she moved to the kitchen where her real love blossomed. Wanda was a wonderful Head Cook, she spent countless hours preparing hand made food. If you were lucky enough to have one of her Cinnamon rolls you know what I mean. When she felt something wasn't fair she fought to make it right. Wanda had the unique ability to work with difficult kids. She respected their individuality and accepted them as valuable little humans. She looked for the best in children and always found it. She was a talented fund raiser, working tirelessly, raising thousands of dollars for Bella Vista School children's extracurricular activities. She was such a hard worker! She inspired others with her work ethic. Upon retiring, Wanda became a board member for Bella Vista School. Without a doubt Wanda's greatest joys in life were her family and our time together. It was such a pleasure to see her Mom Earline and Sister Darlene all together with the stories that would be told and the laughter. Her love for her Grand-Children Griffin and Kristen made her complete. We sure are going to miss her. Her passing is a huge loss to our community and family.
Per Wanda's request, there will be no services. We ask that you continue Wanda's memory by seeking out the good in people and being generous with your heart.
Please sign the guestbook at http://obits.redding.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wanda Chatham
January 31, 2016
Roy, so sorry about Wanda,she was a really neat person
We are thinking about you.
Love doug & laura pixler
Cassie Chatham
January 28, 2016
Oh my goodness, what can I say that hasn't been said. Except maybe that I was lucky. I was lucky to be loved by Mom. We of course like all mother and daughter in laws didn't always see eye to eye but we always figured it out. I think that is maybe because she didn't allow anyone to call me her daughter in law including myself. She called me her daughter and she treated me as such. We knew there was no time for long battles or disrespect. She knew I loved her unconditionally and I knew her love for me was just as strong. She was so giving, she taught me so much. She allowed me to love Gordon just the way I needed to and never mettled in our relationship. Being a mother of a son I understand how hard it is to let go and allow someone else to love your child. She never made me feel like I wasn't good enough and I will take that wisdom with me into my child's future. When Mom lost her other son, we lost part a Mom. I don't think she was ever complete again. I won't pretend to know what she was going through because I don't but I felt her pain, now I pray that she has been reunited with our sweet Chad. There is nothing stronger then a Mother's love. Our son was a constant reminder to Mom of Chad and Gordon's childhood (looks and mannerism) and I think she really cherished watching him grow and reminiscing of both her boys childhood. I sure enjoyed the stories. I can't hardly believe I won't hear another one. I am devastated that she will not be around to guide us and be there for those special moments to come. We miss them both dearly but we will stay strong as a family and march on together. Thank you all for the prayers and well wishes!
James Mellow
January 27, 2016
We would like to send our prayers and thoughts to all of the Chatham family. May she rest with angles now.
Scott Parks
January 27, 2016
I spent countless days at the Chatham house since Chad was my best friend. Wanda and Roy always made me feel like one of the family. Later in life my son attended the school Wanda worked at and he was going through a very difficult time. Wanda was able to reach out to him in her special way and help him when others could not. That meant more to me than words can say and now my son is graduating college with two Bachelors degrees. I'm sure part of him becoming a successful student is because of her caring and compassion. My condolences to the Chatham family for their loss.
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Crystal Amen
January 27, 2016
I loved chatting with Wanda when she came in to Cedar Tree with Roy for breakfast when I worked there. It was always fun and lots of smiles. My condolences go out to Roy and family.
Marv and Shirley Steinberg
January 27, 2016
Whether in the classroom as a teacher's aide, in the computer lab, in the kitchen as the cook, or across the negotiating table, Wanda put the needs of the students at Bella Vista School first. She was a very special person and will be sorely missed. Our prayers are with all of the Chatham family.
Julie Jones
January 27, 2016
She was a wonderful person that I had the privilege of knowing. (And I got to eat several of her cinnamon rolls). She will be missed!
Lee and Helen Stephenson
January 27, 2016
I loved talking to Wanda, with her uplifting laughter. She was so supportive of the children at Bella Vista school, and she was concerned for their welfare.
We send our condolences to Roy and the family, and pray for peace and comfort for each of them.
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