Wanda Salsman

Wanda Hammer Salsman (May 21, 1934) passed on January 11, 2025, surrounded by loving family. 

Wanda lived a life of intrigue and delight. Born in Kansas and a graduate of Dexter High School, she settled in Wichita, Kansas, before spending her later years in Lakewood, Colorado. Determined to overcome obstacles, she graduated from Friends University before joining the FDIC and the RTC to sniff out criminals as a highly respected investigator of bank and savings and loan fraud. 

A loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a beautiful soul, she cherished her family and friends. She believed loving a good cat is one of life's highest callings. She devoted hours volunteering at church, working with youth and helping elderly members. She had a special knack for knowing when to reach out to her loved ones to brighten their days. Her faith in her family and God never wavered. 

March Madness brought her love of basketball to a fever pitch as she could out-predict sports experts on who would make the Final Four. With a twinkle in her eye, she made a formidable Scrabble opponent and delighted in finding that obscure word worth mega points. Multi-talented, she designed and sewed tiny coats, dresses, hats, and muffs for her daughters’ Barbie dolls. She took her grandchildren to court to show them how the justice system worked. Her keen mind sharpened everyone who knew her. 

With big hugs and a warm heart, she shared her abundant love for her family into her final moments. She is survived in death by her daughters Teresa Craig (Art), Tina Evans (Bill), Kimberly Tafoya (Bob), seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, several nephews and nieces, and her beloved cat Pixie. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold Hugh “Earl” and Ethel Marie Hammer, and her sister Reta Hammer Baum. 

A celebration of life will be held this summer in Estes Park, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Cat Care Society of Lakewood