Thompson Harman Funeral Home
Wanda Elizabeth Keller Easterday, 89, of Myersville, passed peacefully into eternal life on December 10, 2024, with her two loving daughters by her side.
Born on April 14, 1935, in Jefferson, Maryland, Wanda was the daughter of the late Carlton Emanuel Keller and Mary Elizabeth Keller. A 1953 graduate of Middletown High School, Wanda pursued her passion for education at Towson State Teachers College, graduating in 1957 with a degree in Elementary Education. She devoted her career to nurturing young minds, teaching elementary school in the Middletown and Myersville communities for many years. She also founded a preschool program at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Myersville, leaving a lasting legacy of love for learning.
In 1951, Wanda was elected National Historian of The Future Homemakers of America, an early testament to her leadership and dedication to community service. In 1953, at the age of 18, she was crowned Frederick County Farm Queen, celebrating her deep roots in the agricultural community. In 1957, Wanda married her high school sweetheart, C. Donald "Don" Easterday, embarking on a devoted partnership that spanned 59 years until his passing on November 16, 2016. In 1994, Don and Wanda, along with the local community, established the Myersville Trolley Festival on their property near Myersville, which they lovingly managed for 17 years, attracting trolley enthusiasts from across the country. Their shared passion for history and land preservation led them to restore historic farm buildings on their property, culminating in the founding of Ostertag Vistas, a cherished event venue that has hosted the nuptials of more than 1,000 couples. Wanda continued to manage Ostertag Vistas with care and dedication until her final days.
As a young woman, Wanda was an accomplished member of 4-H, earning national recognition for her achievements in Food and Nutrition. Her commitment to 4-H continued throughout her life. Wanda led the 4-H Royalty Program for more than 40 years and was named as an Honorary 4-H Queen in recognition of her enduring contributions and service.
Wanda is survived by her two daughters, Tanya (husband Jack) and Donna (husband Gary); her two cherished grandchildren, Air Force Captain Katie Easterday Chaney Welsh (husband Tom) and Lieutenant Michael Easterday Cheney; her nephews and niece, Phil, Rhonda, and Mark; and her grandnephews and grandniece, Phil, Patrick, Christopher, Sean, and Paige.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at Ostertag Vistas, 11847 Easterday Road, Myersville, MD 21773, on Sunday, December 15, 2024. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 pm officiated by Reverend Tom Young. A reception will immediately follow. Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Harman Funeral Home, Middletown, MD.
Wanda's gentle spirit, devotion to family, and tireless dedication to her community will be cherished by all who knew her. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered in the hearts of her family, friends, and community.
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