Wanda Wehman Newton laid her head down for the last time on Earth on October 11, 2026. Born the youngest of 4, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Louis Cruise and Linda Greenawalt, and is survived by her eldest sister, Edna Bailey-Jones of Deltona, FL.
After spending 23 years in the state of Alaska, which she dearly loved, Wanda returned to retire and enjoy the company of her family, “the jewels in her crown.”
Her children are Matthew and Dawn Wehman, Sara Jay and Mike Shodd, and Laurie and Dave Fullerton.
Her grandchildren, who knew her as Grammy, are Tabitha Howell, Andrew Daellenbach, Zachary Wehman, Jacob Shodd, Samantha Trenski, Robin Rabon, Luke Palchak, Shania Fullerton, Dakota Fullerton, Hayzen Smith-Fullerton, Shailynn Fullerton, Tori Fullerton, Briella Fullerton, and Della Fullerton. Her great-grandchildren were Andrew Daellenbach-Kupniewski, Juniper Howell, Coraline Howell, Sapphire Ellis, Dixie Ellis, Annabelle Ellis, Jack Rabon, and Ja’Moralise Facchiano.
Wanda’s lifelong friends, who were like family, were Frank Baird, Daniel Sokolowski, Alexis Calendar, Dona Boots, and Tammy Price.
Wanda became an Ellwood City resident through marriage in 1966. She was deeply involved in the lives of her children and the youth of Ellwood City. She served as a Cub Scout leader for Troop 870, created the Lil’ Angels Softball League for girls ages 9–12, and served as a football mom and coach of girls’ softball for ages 12–18.
Her community service extended beyond youth activities. She served as Arts Chairperson for the Ellwood City Arts and Crafts Festival and formed the band Brok’n Pic, which performed for the first time at the festival.
At the age of 41, Wanda earned her degree from Slippery Rock University in December 1989. She went on to join the Vision Quest Wagon Train as a counselor for criminal youth. Riding a mustang named Sloan, she traveled throughout the West as part of a working wagon train—a federal court program for young people involved in the criminal justice system. Living in tipis and traveling 15 to 20 miles a day, she journeyed through Arizona, California, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, and Utah.
After completing her contract, Wanda worked as a project manager/project engineer for the Army and Air Force, overseeing military construction projects from design through completion. Her assignments took her to Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas; Fort Wainwright Army Base in Fairbanks, Alaska; Eielson Air Force Base in North Pole, Alaska; and Fort Greely Army Base in Delta Junction, Alaska.
Wanda retired in 2014 and returned to Ellwood City, settling in North Sewickley Township. She was happy to be back in a climate here she could grow tomatoes and flowers to her heart’s content.
Local friends are invited to a visitation on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 309 Spring Avenue, Ellwood City, PA 16117.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations Divine Grace Parish Social Services 311 Lawrence Avenue, Ellwood City, PA 16117
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