Wanda Enid Savage, 86

Wanda (Ereman) Savage was born Nov. 29, 1937, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to Cecil and Enid Ereman of Sandpoint. Wanda unexpectedly passed away Nov. 3, 2024, at Kootenai Health in Coeur d Alene, surrounded by her family and 26 days short of her 87th birthday.

Wanda attended school in Sandpoint, graduating in 1955. On Oct. 2, 1955, she married Eugene (Gene) Savage of Priest River, Idaho. They lived in North Idaho all their married life, purchasing a home on West Pine Street where they lived until Gene’s passing in 2009. In 1980, they built an underground home, which was featured in the Northern Lights "Ruralite" magazine.

Three children were born: Renee (Savage) Blythe, Timothy Savage and Linda (Savage) Ednie. They were blessed with six grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren (including step-grandchildren).

Wanda worked for Anthony’s Department store on First Avenue in Sandpoint for 19 years. She then went to work for the Bonner County Clerk’s office for 16.5 years, retiring in 2001.

Wanda and Gene spent many days camping, boating and fishing in the Northwest, Canada, Hawaii and Alaska, documented on family photos and film footage. Always explorers, Wanda and Gene purchased a second home in Pahrump, Nev., and spent the winter months exploring Nevada, Death Valley, Calif., Arizona and Mexico until Gene’s passing. 

As a successful gardener, she was known for her pickled beets and dill pickles. She embroidered many pictures, tables clothes, quilts and dresser scarves.

Wanda enjoyed her social activities. She was a volunteer at Bonner General Health, member of the Dover Club, the Dover Community Church, and the Thursday Pinochle Club. She went on her first cruise to Alaska in 2015 followed by Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises. She reconnected with old family friend, Leroy Murray and they enjoyed time together until his death in January 2022. She enjoyed her weekly Mr. Sub lunches with good friend, Maree Peck and driving/sightseeing local trips with her cousin, Marilla Kemmis.

Wanda was very close with her family. She was a collector of dolls, angels of all shapes, kinds and materials, glassware, antique dishes, and interesting yard sale finds. 

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Enid Ereman; her sister, Lorena Greenwood; her husband, Gene Savage and her special friend, Leroy Murray. She is survived by her children, Renee Blythe (Gregory) of Coeur d'Alene, Timothy Savage (Marcey) of Priest River and Linda Ednie (Adam) of Sandpoint; grandchildren, Adrian Menard (Angie), Dante Menard (Emily) both of Post Falls; Trudy Savage-Roberts (Cameron) of Puyallup, Wash., Lee Savage of Sandpoint, Leslie Michelle Kuster (Daniel) of Sandpoint, Amanda Fancher (Will) of Post Falls, Logan Ednie (Kasey) of Sandpoint, Kayla Thomason (Seth) of Craigmont, Idaho, and Taylor Blythe (Kelley) of Post Falls; great-grandchildren Brielle Menard, Jordy Menard, Scarlett Menard, Harper Menard, Ellis Thomason, Owen Thomason, Sage Thomason, Vera Thomason, Macey Roberts, Maya Roberts, Marcus Roberts, Keeghan Krebs, Ashlynn Kuster, Delaney Fancher, Cole Ednie and Carson Ednie; her cousin, Marilla Kemmis of Sandpoint; sisters-in-law Juanita Savage, Carolyn Savage, Dottie Yerkes of Priest River, Emma Scott of Colorado; brother-in-law Bobby Savage of Priest River, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Wanda always said she had an incredibly blessed life and the memory of her smile and generosity and caring way will be with us always. Donations in her memory may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital. 

Colorful guest attire is encouraged as we celebrate Wanda’s life Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Ponderay Event Center, in Ponderay, Idaho. 

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.