Wanda Faye Laak

Wanda Faye Laak, age 73 of Denver, CO, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 8th, 2013, at The Ashley Manor Care Center located in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

She was born to the late Ralph and Marjorie (Gilbert) Hill on December 26, 1939, in Denver, Colorado. Wanda was united in marriage to James Roy Laak on October 18th, 1958. Wanda and James were blissfully married for more than 55 years. She was GREATLY loved by her husband. Wanda spent her time as a home maker, as well as cleaning a few homes for special friends. She was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church, sang for the church choir, and served as President of the Alter Guild for many years. She loved giving her time to the Church as well as God. She was a devout Christian, and loved Jesus Christ. Christmas was her favorite time of the year! Wanda lived in Moffat, Colorado, where she graduated from High School, and then moved to Evergreen, Colorado, where she enjoyed riding her horse named Star. Wanda participated in many rodeos performing barrel racing along with riding in the rodeo parades. She was even the Parade Queen one year. She loved horses all her life and would have loved to have one in the later years. Wanda loved camping, fishing, crocheting and traveling. Wanda is survived by her sister, Dixie Hill Lutz of Topeka, KS, her two brothers Jack Hill of Ardmore, OK, and Donald Joe Hill of Denver, CO, as well as one brother that proceeded her in death, Donald Ray Hill of Dadeville, AL. Wanda loved being closely involved with her family and was a proud Mother, Grandmother, and Great grandmother. Wanda was also a loving wife, daughter and sister.

She is survived by her two daughters: Deborah Ann (Laak) Allen born in 1959 and DeAnna Lynn (Laak) Wilmes born in 1962. Wanda is survived by 8 grandchildren: Deborah and Mark Allen's children: Nichole, Brandon, Jessica and Ashley. DeAnna and Philip Wilmes' children: Alexandrea, Jonathan, Chase and Wyatt. She is also survived by 10 great grandchildren: Kaleb, Ashton, Alexis, Emma, Payton, Jordyn, Avalon, Shaylee, and Zoe, and is proceeded in death by Hunter who passed in 2010.

Wanda was diagnosed in 2006 with Alzheimer's disease. Jim, her husband, provided care for her for as long as he could and then in 2012 Wanda was moved to Emeritus Care Center where she digressed quickly into the later stages of the disease. After several falls she was moved to a skilled nursing facility, Mission San Miguel nursing home in Commerce City. It was quickly decided that she needed to be moved closer to her family and thankfully we found a wonderful facility called Ashley Manor Care Center, which provided a home like atmosphere. The caregivers were amazing and helped her through the short time she was there, as well as providing ongoing support to the family. Unfortunately Wanda's disease quickly progressed and she passed just short of two weeks after moving into the center. We would like to acknowledge Innovage Long Term Care and all of their help in making everything possible for Wanda to get the best care!

Her family and friends will miss her deeply, especially this time of the year!

Donations can be made to the Alzheimer's foundation at http://www.alzfdn.org/ContributetoAFA/makeadonation.html or Christ the King Lutheran Church in lieu of flowers.