Wanda Dee Gifford, 82, a resident of Deming, NM

Category: Obituaries Obituaries
Published: 10 June 2024 10 June 2024

GiffordWandaWanda Dee Gifford, 82, a longtime resident of Deming, NM, passed away Thursday morning, June 6, 2024 in El Paso, TX.

Visitation will be held Friday morning, June 14, 2024, at 7:00 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Funeral services will follow at 8:00 a.m., with Bishop Adam Westenhofer presiding. Concluding services and interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Wanda, aka Grandma Darlin,’ was born on July 17, 1941, in Eugene, Oregon, to Raymond Francis and Esther Violet (Gephart) Norman. Wanda proudly served in the US Army, WAC from 1959-1962. Her commitment to duty extended to her role as a loving wife and mother. In 1962, Wanda met and married Frederick Gordon Gifford in Albuquerque, N.M. In 1968, they established their home in Deming, NM where they raised their seven children. Wanda’s life was one of love, faith, and service. As a devoted wife and mother, she dedicated her life to her family. Wanda’s love and nurturing spirit were unmatched. In 1968, Wanda was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and her faith in the gospel guided her life.

Her devotion to God and family provided strength in times of joy and adversity. She loved the Lord and showed that love by word and by deed. In her leisure time, Wanda found great joy in quilting, knitting, and crochet, crafting blankets and quilts filled with love for everyone she knew. Sitting at her sewing machine was one of her favorite places to be. She was active in TOPS, the Community Gardening Club, Boy Scouts of America, Republican Party, and served the community in many other ways. Wanda remained vibrant and active, embracing life with zest and enthusiasm. She always had a smile on her face and loved spreading joy. If there was ever a woman without guile, Wanda was that woman. She was a friend to everyone she met.

Wanda is survived by her sons, Frederick Gordon Gifford (Tonya) of Cody, WY, Harold Norman Gifford of Deming, Samuel Joseph Gifford (Heidi) of Tucson, AZ; daughters, Deborah Marie Walk (Richard) of Sierra Vista, AZ, Teresa Anne Ortiz of Deming, Sarah Elizabeth Noesen (Mark) of Auburn, WA, Sandra Lee Vasquez (Dominic) of Rio Rancho, NM; brothers, Jerry “Mo” Norman of Port Angeles, WA, Shannon Norman of Bonners Ferry, ID; a sister, Donna McCandless of Sandpoint, ID; 25 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren as listed below. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and one granddaughter, Lucy.

Pallbearers: Mike Walk, Robert Walk, Ian Ortiz, Gordon Gifford, Brandon Gifford, Austin Gifford, Nathan Gifford, Garret Gifford, Hyrum Gifford, Jarom Gifford

Honorary Pallbearers: Victor Walk, Miles Noesen, Dominic Vasquez, Joshua Vasquez, Gideon Gifford, Dallin Gifford, Ethan Gifford

Grandchildren: Michael Lance Walk (Shannon), Robert Gary Walk, Victor August Walk (Brittny), Charlotte Marie Walk, Ian Russell Ortiz, Olea Shinehah Ortiz, Frederick Gordon Gifford (Malissa), Brandon Wayne Gifford (Olivia), Austin Lane Gifford (Jessica) , Tiana Mier'elle Ballard (Nathan), Nathan Quinn Gifford (Shianne), Garret Bradley Gifford (Viana), Ethan Zane Gifford, Ava Rae Noesen, Myles Gifford Noesen, Savanah Lee Pagano (Koltan), Morgan Sierra Johnston (Teagan), Dominic Lorenzo Vasquez, Joshua Merrick Vasquez, Hyrum Joseph Gifford, Gideon Gervaise Gifford, Jarom Enoch Gifford, Lexia Ruth Gifford, Matilda Mae Gifford, Dallin Luke Gifford, Abigail Melinda Grace Gifford

Great grandchildren: Mason Walk, Maci Gifford, Evelyn Gifford, Maylee Gifford, Elsie Gifford, Brynlee Gifford, Owen Gifford, Helias Gifford, Osbern Gifford, Brody Holguin, Logan Holguin, Charlie Quinn Gifford, Harley Pagano, Hudson Pagano.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wanda Dee (Norman) Gifford, please visit our floral store.

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