Marie Wages Nordyke

Marie Rosella Wages Nordyke, 102, of Independence, Mo. was called to her eternal resting place Friday, April 8, 2016.

Marie Rosella Anderson was born on December 16, 1913, the daughter of Edwin P. and Blanche M. Anderson a pioneer farmer and rancher family near the small town of Albin, Wyoming. She grew up engaged in the many activities associated with first generation pioneer life on prairie land in SE Wyoming. She especially enjoyed riding the pony her father purchased for her when she was only 10 years old. Marie often told how thrilling it was to feel the wind blowing through her hair when at a full gallop on her pony.

A young man appeared in Marie’s life when Fred Wages came to the Anderson homestead from Colorado seeking employment. He was hired with the provision that Fred would attend Albin High School to get his diploma. Fred graduated and was offered a scholarship to the University of Wyoming. Rather than going on to the University, Fred chose to continue working as a farm and ranch hand while courting Marie. This successful courtship resulted in their marriage in Fort Collins, Colorado on April 21, 1935.

Soon after their marriage, Fred took a job working on the railway mail for the US Postal Service on a route from Denver, Colo to Ogden, Ut during which time they resided in Denver. About a year later, they returned to the Albin area to resume farming for the next 3 years during which time they became parents of their first son, Sherrie Raymond.

In 1941, they moved to Orchard Valley, a suburb of Cheyenne, where Fred began his full-time career as a mail carrier, first carrying a foot route in Cheyenne then carrying the first rural route out of the Cheyenne Post Office.

While living in Orchard Valley, two more sons were born to Fred and Marie, Norman Gary and Dwight Eugene.
After moving to the Bell Ranch a few miles west of Cheyenne for the 1948-49 school year and then into Cheyenne for the 1949-50 school year, Fred and Marie made the decision to move to Cameron, Mo in the summer of 1950. Fred traded routes with a rural mail carrier in Cameron. This move was motivated in large part by their desire to live in a community where there were many more members of the RLDS church.
After living in a classic old farm house for 21 years, Fred and Marie moved into the new house they built in Cameron in the summer of 1971. In the fall of 1987 they moved to Independence, Mo. They were only able to enjoy living together in their Independence home for about two years prior to Fred’s death on June 16, 1989.
Marie continued living as a widow until being courted by a kindly widower who also attended her church, the South Crysler Restoration Branch. On August 22, 1993 Marie was married to Dalton Nordyke. They first consolidated into Dalton’s house and sold Marie’s home, but within a year they also sold Dalton’s house and moved into a very attractive apartment in Independence. Eventually they determined that their life style could be improved by moving to a very comfortable apartment at The Fountains at Greenbrier in Independence.
At the age of 94, Marie again faced widowhood following Dalton’s death on October 13, 2008. She continued living in her apartment with special celebrations for her 100th and 101st birthdays. For her 100th birthday, Marie was granted her ‘one birthday wish’, to go horseback riding. She was accompanied by family and friends to The Big River Ranch in Lexington, Mo to saddle-up for an exciting ride on a fine cow-pony. All cheered as she rode around the arena outfitted with pink cowboy hat and riding gloves.

Marie will be remembered for being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Marie was known to be an excellent homemaker who prepared delicious meals, especially her lemon pie. Wherever she lived, Marie was dedicated to growing beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. In later years she began to display her special artistic talents, whether working with pottery, copper, painting, knitting, and embroidering. Marie had also served her church and community in a variety of capacities including serving as Women’s Leader for the RLDS “Daughters of Zion” while living in Wyo and Cameron, and as leader of “The Orioles Girl’s Club” in 1975-77. She was active in the Extension Clubs in Wyo and Mo, was President of the ’Today’s Women Club‘, The Fun and Facts Hobby Club, the Independent Club from 1970 to 1974, and twice President of the Federated Women’s Club. She also served in various offices including President of the Cameron PTA and was a Red Hatter at the Fountains. Marie was preceded in death by her parents and her three younger brothers, Edwin A Anderson, Ivan A. Anderson and Marvin D. Anderson.

Marie is survived by her three sons and their families. Oldest son Sherrie Raymond and his wife Eleanor Jean (Vander Ploeg) of Franklin, Wis and their two sons: Stephen Randall Wages and his wife Shannon and daughter Emily Claire; David Ellis Wages and his wife Deborah. Middle son Norman Gary Wages and his wife Lynette (Deaver) of Independence, Mo and their two children: son Ronald Jeffrey Wages and partner Nick Pappas; and daughter Dr. Liana Marie Wages-Nichols and her husband Adam Nichols and their son Hayden Deaver Nichols. Marie’s youngest son Dwight Eugene Wages and his wife Diana (Perry) of Crossville, Tenn and their two children: their daughter Heather Erin Zimmer and her husband Collin Zimmer; son Eric Nathan Wages and his wife Margaret.

A private graveside service was held in Cameron. Marie’s firm faith in Jesus Christ and her living testimony as a servant of her Lord will be remembered by all who had the privilege of her love and friendship. Donations in Marie’s memory can be sent to South Crysler Restoration Branch, 16101 Salisbury Rd, Independence, Mo 64050.