Wanda Laree Halsey, age 82, of Kennewick, Washington, passed away at her home on June 21, 2026.  She was born on October 28,1943 in Cedar City, Utah to William Robb and Erma Waters.

Wanda graduated from Eisenhower High School in Yakima, Washington and attended Yakima Valley College where she met the love of her life, Paul Halsey.  The two were married on June 18, 1966, and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.  The first years of their marriage were defined by daily letter writing.  Paul spent four years in the Navy serving three tours in Vietnam; their daughter Tricia was born just before Paul was discharged.  After his discharge from the Navy, they moved to Paul’s hometown of Anatone, Washington for a short time. They lived in Clarkston, Washington then moved to Yakima, Washington, where their second child, Shawn was born.

They eventually moved to Milton-Freewater, Oregon.  In Milton-Freewater, Wanda worked at the local day care center where she made many lasting friendships. She also enjoyed singing with the Walla Walla Sweet Adelines.

Later, the Tri-Cities became her home for over 20 years.  Here she was able to receive the needed medical care from specialists that her failing kidneys required. She was always a fighter and showed us how to be strong in the face of pain and adversity brought on by Polycystic Kidney Disease.  In 2006, she received the generous donation of a kidney from her nephew, Dustin Cefalo. She also survived open heart surgery in 2021.

Wanda will be remembered for her warmth, quiet strength, and support of her family.  Spending time with family was her top priority.  She enjoyed gardening and was able to keep and nurture any house plant she saw.  Her family all enjoyed and looked forward to her baked treats, especially her pies, during the holidays.  During walks in the mountains, she loved to collect rocks – the mossy ones were the best. Many rocks and driftwood were hauled home!  She was an avid reader and filled many bookcases with the books she enjoyed.

Wanda is preceded in death by her parents, her foster parents, Blaine and Laura Hopp, three sisters, Norma Robb Lambert, Jolene Robb Wagstaff, Carolyn Robb, and one foster brother, Eric Hopp.

She is survived by her husband Paul Halsey, her children, Tricia (Arturo) Perez, Shawn (Anna) Halsey, five grandchildren, Steven Perez, Lisette (Andres) Uribe, Bryan Perez, Andrew Halsey, and Laree Perez, four great grandchildren, Olivia Uribe, Isaiah Uribe, Miller Romero, and Remi Uribe.  She is also survived by her sister Marilyn (Jess) Cude, her foster brothers Robert Hopp, and Richard (Dana) Hopp, and many nieces and nephews.

We are relieved that she is at peace and finally free from pain, but her loss will leave a hole in our hearts that will never be filled. Our family is eternally grateful for the never-ending love, devotion, and commitment she showed us every day we spent with her.

Funeral services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 4445 Olympia Street, Kennewick Washington on Tuesday, July 7th at 1:00 PM.   A viewing will be held one hour prior to the service.

Graveside service will take place at Einan’s at Sunset Funeral Home, 915 Bypass Highway, Richland Washington. Wanda’s family will host a Celebration of Life with a meal to share, smiles, tears, laughter, and storytelling.