Long time Blythe resident, Wanda Ray Ulmer, passed away surrounded by her children on Easter Sunday April 16, 2017.

Wanda was raised in Casa Grande, AZ and lived there until graduating from high school in 1948. She went on to attend Arizona State College. Wanda met her future husband, Joe Ulmer, in 1952. Joe and Wanda were married in 1954 and joined the Ulmer family ranch in Blythe in 1955. The Ulmer's and their children spent many years working the ranch, raising cattle and pigs and farming a variety of crops. Joe passed away in 1996 and Wanda continued living on the farm in the winter and later began to spend her summers in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Wanda had an incredible work ethic and was tough as nails. She worked the cattle, irrigated the crops, ran the office and took care of her children. Wanda had endless energy and sacrificed her own interests for those of her family. She and Joe provided for their family in every way possible and wanted nothing but the best for all of their children; they were tremendously proud of the adults they became.

Wanda was the life of the party and was so much fun; her smile was infectious. She had a group of great friends with whom she enjoyed traveling and together they visited Europe, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico and many beautiful destinations within the continental United States. Wanda also enjoyed visiting casinos, playing cards and dominoes with her friends. She was highly competitive and loved to win!

Wanda's grandchildren brought her endless joy. "G-Ma" was the primary "babysitter " for her Blythe grandchildren and she grew close and treasured relationship with them. She proudly watched many of her grandchildren graduate from college and her life was further enhanced as they began to have families of their own.

Wanda is survived by her children, Danny Ross (Bonny) Ulmer of Killeen TX; Sandra (Chuck) Rader of Branson, MO; John (Terri) Ulmer of Blythe ; Susan (Mike) Schuringa of Coeur d' Alene, ID and Marie (Jeff) Anderson of San Ramon, CA; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Joe H. Ulmer; her parents Ray and Grace McAnally; and her brothers Bill and Richard McAnally.

A memorial service will be held at Frye Chapel in Blythe on Friday, April 21, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to the Blythe Cancer Resource Center or the Blythe Chapter California Women for Agriculture (CWA).