Wanda Kenney

Wanda Jean Kenney, age 87, passed away while surrounded by family on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at St. Mary's Hospital. Born December 30, 1928 in Greenville, Texas, she was the first of four children to Hubert Sheltman and May (Holcomb) Sheltman. > She married Wendell Kenney in 1946 and had four children. They moved to Fruita, Colorado where she worked at Mesa Drug Store and Peters Department Store. They also briefly owned Fruita Dry Cleaners. After moving to Arizona for her husband’s health, she was a manager for Wyatt’s Cafeteria for over 10 years. Following the loss of her husband in 1981, Wanda became the primary caregiver for three of her grandchildren before moving back to Colorado in 1994. Independence Village was her home for 21 years. Most recent home was at The Courtyard in Fruita. > One of her biggest contributions to the community was her participation in the Foster Grandparent Program for school district 51 for over 19 years, both at Shelledy and FMS. She was well loved by her students, and dearly loved helping them until illness and age forced her to retire. > Wanda loved her family and in many ways she was the glue that held it together. Her prayers and dedication to her family and friends was her top priority. She was a member of Faith Bible Church in Fruita. Wanda was an artist and lover of crafts, especially oil painting. Her pastime was as an avid bird watcher, hummingbirds being her favorite. She always knew you were up to something. "A little bird told me…" was to blame, though we couldnever find that "bird"! > Survivors include daughter Sherry Bishop, Fruita; sons Weslee (Anchel), Clifton and Roy (Lori) Kenney Bremerton WA. She had eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, a great-great grandson and dozens of “foster” grandchildren she taught over the years. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Dorothy, brothers Jack and Chuck, husband Wendell, and oldest son Jack. > A Celebration of Wanda’s life will be held the 19th of March, 2016 at Independence Village (12 - 2 pm) in Fruita. Those of you that can attend this celebration, please email Alisha Kenney at wkfuneral@gmail.com for any details or questions. The family would like you to bring pictures and memories to share. Wanda’s place of interment will be at Orchard Mesa VA Cemetery next to her son Jack and husband Wendell. Memorial donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/j9814s. She will be sorely missed. > No one truly dies if they live in the hearts of those who remain.