Wynarda Exon

Wynarda Mae Woodhead Slane Exon, age 88, of Hagerman, Idaho, earned her angel wings on Friday, January 20, 2017, when she passed peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s at Stonebridge Assisted Living Center.

Wynarda was born on August 9, 1928, to Christianna Fredericca Sve and John Woodhead.  The youngest of 7 children, Narda was born at the Lower Salmon plant where her father worked for Idaho Power.  She graduated from Hagerman High School in 1945 and married Dale Slane.  Together, they had two children, Steve and Chris.  They later divorced and remained friends.  She married Bill Exon who had 6 children.

Her quick wit and adventurous spirit led her to join the Jerome City Police as a dispatcher and later the Gooding County Sheriff’s Office where she retired after nearly 30 years.  She was one of the first women in Idaho to become POST certified and was an active member of the Idaho Peace Officers Association, where she served as secretary for several years.

Her commitment to her community and love of the Hagerman Valley was evident in everything she did.  She was a member of the Bliss School Board, the American Legion Auxiliary, Union Rebekah Lodge #45, Past Guardian of the International Order of Job’s Daughters Bethel #45, the Bliss Flower and Garden Club, Grand Third Messenger of the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Snake River Ski Club.  Her greatest pride in her community was in the Hagerman Alumni Association which she founded with three of her dearest friends and where she spent 30 years as secretary.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Exon, Sr.; son-in-law Jem Allen;  former husband Dale Slane; brothers William Meyers, John Grogan, James Grogan, and John Woodhead, Jr.;  sisters Lillian Grogan, Helen Julia Grogan, and Bernadette Grogan Brailsford;  and her loving parents John Ephraim Woodhead and Christianna Fredericca Sve.

Our lives were richly blessed by her presence and there is no question that a void now exists in this earthly life without her.  Her generosity and kindness was always present and the love she had for her family was never in doubt.  She loved puppies, children, flowers, and any color as long as it was blue.  She was the best at teaching the fine art of butterfly kisses, a master seamstress, a listening ear, and our rock in unsure times.  She taught us about the power of prayer and to love the Idaho outdoors, particularly Alturas Lake and the Snake River.  She always had to sample food from the plates of others earning her the nickname Mikey, “cause he’ll eat anything”.  She consistently reminded us that she was the matriarch of the family saying “mi madre”, and she had a love of butterflies that will remind those left behind that she is watching over us.

There is no doubt that Nana was surrounded by angels both here and beyond and the family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Stonebridge Assisted Living and Auburn Crest Hospice.  In addition, our loving Heavenly Father provided one of His servants to walk beside our family during this difficult time and our sincerest love and appreciation is extended to Pastor Sandy Faison.

She is survived by her daughter, Chris Allen (Jem) and her son Steve Slane (Christine); Bill Exon’s children Vicki, Linda, Laura, Lisa, Shawn, and Bill, Jr.;  grandsons Bill Stinemates (Christine) and Drew Slane (Katie);  granddaughters Bridget Barrus (Ben) and Stephenie Lambert (Jeff); and 25 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter who all loved her deeply and will cherish her memory.

Memorial Services will be held at 4:00 pm, Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at the Hagerman United Methodist Church. Family will be available one hoour prier to service to greet family and friends.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Hagerman Alumni Association or to Auburn Crest Hospice.

Memories and condolences may be shared on Narda's memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.