August 10, 1961-September 2, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we share the sudden loss of our sweet Wanda Kaye Taylor. She passed peacefully on September 2nd, 2024 with her two loving daughters by her side and her favorite music filling the air. Wanda was a vibrant soul whose heart was immense in caring for the people and community she cherished most.
She was born on August 10th, 1961, in the small town of Fillmore, Utah, to Allen and Elizabeth Taylor. She was the youngest of five children, a title she embraced from the very start. Her early years were filled with carefree adventures, a wild spirit, and an abundance of love shared with her family.
After attending two years at Utah State University, Wanda’s adventurous spirit took her to the rugged beauty of Whitefish, Montana. She was the first of her siblings to venture outside the boundaries of Utah, much to her parents’ dismay. Although this chapter of her life was short, the mountains and the natural world took hold of her and would draw her in again.
Before stepping foot into the world beyond her family home, she met the love of her life, Greg Hunger. They met when her family moved to the suburbs of Salt Lake City, a few blocks down the street from Greg. Although young, their connection was pure and undoubtedly strong. Together they dreamed of building a cabin in the mountains, a dream they would one day make a reality
When Wanda returned from Montana, they began their adventurous life by getting married on top of Snowbird Ski Resort and skiing to the bottom in full wedding garb. They were eager to start a family and welcomed two daughters shortly thereafter, Porsha and Brooke. Wanda’s transition into motherhood felt like second nature to her. Her love for her children was unwavering. She showered them with endless love compassion and selflessness throughout her life.
Wanda and Greg prioritized their family and took every opportunity to escape the suburbs and visit the surrounding wilderness. One summer, on a family road trip through Colorado, a spontaneous detour led them to the tiny town of Ridgway. Curious, they inquired about property, not realizing that this moment would be the catalyst to making good on their dream to build a home in the mountains. Several years later, a small parcel nestled in the San Juan Mountains came on the market and they seized the opportunity. Wanda often loved to tell people that her home was at 9,000 feet.
Although their family would take a different form and Wanda and Greg would eventually part ways, her presence in Ridgway was steadfast. Wanda became a fixture in the community working at the Town Hall for over 20 years. Her friendly presence, way of connecting people together, warm hugs, and joy in sharing music were integral to the town’s fabric. She lived an eclectic life — from the relationships she formed and her taste in music, to her love of accessorizing with hats and earrings.
Wanda’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of her family, friends and the entire Ridgway community. She is preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Elizabeth Taylor, and oldest sister, Evelyn Taylor. She leaves behind her daughters, Brooke Hunger and Porsha Banas (Andy Banas); her beloved grandchildren, Orion and Sadie Banas; and her siblings, Nolan Taylor, Connie Workman, David Taylor and Resa Postal.
A celebration of her life will be held on October 19th, 2024, at 3 p.m. at the Sherbino in Ridgway, Colorado, an establishment where she found solace in dancing, sharing poetry and watching theater and formed lasting relationships with you all.
The family and close friends ask that to honor Wanda’s spirit vibrant clothing, patterns and all the fun accoutrements that embody Wanda be worn.
