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Surrounded by loved ones, Florence Mae Wambeke, 94, of Deaver, Wyoming, passed away on Aug. 19, 2025. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Florence will always be remembered for her spirited personality, her willingness to always contribute to her community, and her devotion to her family.
Born on April 21, 1931, in Frannie, Wyoming, Florence grew up as the youngest child of Thomas Eli and Lottie Mae (Henry) Bell, and sister to Robert Angus Bell and Thomas Elbert Bell. As a child she would shadow her father, a railroader who worked on steam engines at the roundhouse in Frannie. Her father built her a cupboard out of a store crate to store all her tea party dishes. Her love of tea party dishes continued throughout her life as she collected a large variety of them.
Florence’s elementary education, grades one through eight, were at Frannie School. It is when she went to Deaver High School that she met the love of her life, Fred Wambeke. After graduating from high school Florence entered business college in Powell, Wyoming, and graduated. Florence and Fred shared 75 years together being married on June 22, 1950 in Cody, Wyoming. To this marriage they had five children, 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Florence contributed to so many lives through her employment as an elementary school cook, her involvement in her community, and as an accomplished seamstress making more than 25 quilts. Florence was adventurous, liked to travel, and was willing to try new things. She started bowling in her 80s and while she didn’t have the highest score, she sure enjoyed it. She loved playing pinochle so much she played in Lovell and Powell.
Florence is survived by her husband Fred, their son Jeffery Wambeke (Debbie), children Janice, Laurie and Scott; son Rodney Wambeke (Diane), children Kevin, Joshua, Ivo; daughter Rebecca Wambeke, children Steven, Mikeal, Karri; son Theodore Wambeke (Ann), children Evan, Benjamin, Simona; and daughter Alicia (Wambeke) Troutman, children Chelsie and Thomas. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers.
A rosary was held Monday, Aug. 25 at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church in Powell, Wyoming. The funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, 10 a.m. at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church, Powell, Wyoming. Interment will be at the Deaver-Frannie Cemetery following the funeral mass.
In lieu of flowers consider donating to St. Joseph’s Children’s Home, Torrington, Wyoming, Helping Hands of Deaver c/o Cherie Wambeke and the Senior Lunch Brunch c/o Beckie Mills.
