They called her “Wicked Wanda.” But Wanda Darlene Dowlin was anything but wicked.
Sure, the longtime Forsyth Country Club manager didn’t take much guff. She was quick to make a wisecrack and had no trouble calling anybody’s bull. But, those who knew her best, counted on her soft-spoken honesty and dyed-in-the-wool support to see them through.
Wanda died on April 4, 2018 at Billings St. Vincent hospital after having a stroke. She was 67.
Wanda, daughter of Floyd and Annie Isabella (MacKerlich) Dowlin, was born in Dillon, Montana on Aug. 10, 1950. In 1966, her family settled on a ranch along Armells Creek, southwest of Forsyth.
Wanda graduated from Forsyth High School in 1969 and found work in restaurant kitchens. She cooked at the Joseph Cafe under the guidance of John Henry Smith. She later took a job at the Speedway Diner before opening the Big Sky Cafe. It was unofficially called “Wicked Wanda’s.” Her gravy-smothered french fries, burgers and chicken-fried steaks often had more than a dozen trucks full of hungry folks lined up along Front Street.
Wanda eventually left the cafe to manage the Forsyth Country Club. For four decades, she ran the 9-hole golf course and worked in the clubhouse as chef.
She often hired teenagers who seemed to challenge other authorities. As long as it was understood that crossing a cook — especially in her kitchen — is never a smart move, most of them got by without much trouble. Those who might have spilled a mop bucket and left the slippery mess for her to find the next morning or ate the steak she had saved in the cooler for lunch, found themselves working their way off her list.
The steak-snatching groundskeeper found it was awfully hot to have to eat his meals outside the comforts of the air-conditioned clubhouse during the summer in Eastern Montana. He eventually earned his way back into Wanda’s good graces and he hasn’t stolen a steak since.
After she retired, Wanda took a part-time job at the Rosebud County Museum. She was also the Senior Warden at the Church of Ascension in Forsyth. It was Wanda who helped her Episcopalian pastor feel at home after he moved to rural Big Sky Country from the East Coast.
She cared for close friends, a few as they faced illnesses and eventually death. When they were sick, she’d cook them meals, making sure to include their favorite comfort foods, such as her homemade mashed potatoes and gravy. She drove them to doctor appointments and offered her company during hospital stays.
Wanda was there for her friends and relatives. She’d listen, even as they rationalized decisions that were obviously ridiculous, at least to her. She’d give them that oh-please look, then go along for whatever ride they chose. After it turned out she was right, she was there to help clean up the mess. Wanda made her friends stand taller.
She is preceded in death by her parents and older brothers, Dale MacKerlich, and Robin and Doug Dowlin.
Wanda is survived by her sisters, Kerry (Bob) Downing, of Park City, and Sandee Dowlin, of Casper, Wyoming; brother Buck Dowlin, of Forsyth; sister-in-law Natalie Lothspeich, of Miles City, and numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces.
A memorial service is scheduled for her at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 14 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. To leave condolences, go to stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Camp Marshall, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Montana. Its Grace Camp program offers free summer sessions near Flathead Lake for children who have a parent in prison.
Camp Marshall
P.O. Box 2020
Helena, Montana
59624
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Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 AM
Saturday April 14, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment
Following the Service
Saturday April 14, 2018
Forsyth Cemetery
2804 Old Highway 10
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Kelsey Falcon says
I’ll never forget the time spent living next to Wanda.Picking apples after they fell for the deer. eating her delicous food. The friendly greetings from across the alley in the morning and shes watched me grow up. We’ve always been birthday buddy’s
Debbie Anderson says
Oh my goodness… I am so sorry and so sad to hear of Wanda’s passing. I
I will miss seeing her when I come to visit. Wanda was full of good memories, keep yours close. Wanda’s family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Jack & Sandi Van Pelt says
To all of Wanda’s family. So sorry for your loss. Wanda was a very special lady. She will be missed.
Lane and Lynn Larson says
Wanda was a great friend of my parents and my family. Many fond memories. Rest in peace.
Dean Holmes says
Another friend is gone from the planet. Wanda was special. The days of the old Radio Station crew at kikc always loved her. rest in peace.
Carla Hecker says
We are so sorry to see that Wanda has passed. She was a truly good human being, always kind and free with her smiles. May god bless her and be with her loved ones during this time of loss!
Maretta says
Shocked. One of my favorite people.
Stephens' Family says
Sorry to hear of Wanda’s passing. She was so nice to me and my family. She was a big part of the success of the golf course, many weddings and parties. She was a great hugger to all her friends. A sad day. We lost a very good friend
Stephen's Family says
Sad day. She was a very good friend to many and to me and my family. We will miss her and Forsyth will miss her
Karen & Jobie Morris says
We were saddened to learn of Wanda’s passing. Wanda was a delightful person and had a way of making everyone feel special (probably because she was). We feel fortunate to have had her in our lives. Our loss is heaven’s gain.
Clarisse Coate Roos says
Wanda will always hold a special place in my heart. She was such a dear friend to my parents and one of my first bosses. Thank you so much sweet Wanda for taking good care of Mom when dad died, and good care of us kids when Mom passed. You were one of a kind and Forsyth will be a sadder place without you! Rest In Peace.
TJ Cape says
Wanda was a gem. She will certainly be missed.
Kelly (Cartwright) & Sam Handley says
I’m so sorry to hear about Wanda. She had a big heart and a very kind soul. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family!!
Randy Durr says
My condolences to the entire Dowlin family. Wanda was certainly “one of a kind.” She will be sorely missed by all who ever came in contact with this wonderful gal. Rest In Peace.
GEORGE SIMMONS says
Thanks Wanda, your friendship will be missed. In the kitchen or where ever we met you always brought a smile. Thoughts and prayers go out to all family and all who called you friend.
Williams Family says
The loss of a cherished loved one is the most devastating experiences a family can face. At times, the loss may seem unbearable. Please know that there are family and friends who care and more importantly Psalm 34:18 tells us that “God is near to those that are broken at heart. He is the God of all comfort. God will comfort you during this difficult time of grief. Our prayers are also with you and your family.
Heidi Kallenbach Dykman says
Wanda was a cherished friend to many. Her kindness, thoughtfulness, and great sense of humor will be deeply missed. My condolences to the Dowlin family and her dear friends.
Steph West says
Wanda was a very nice lady and will be missed. Prayers to her family.
Randy & Janet Stanhope says
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Wanda was certainly a one and only and will be missed dearly. We send our prayers.
Karen & Ron Morgan says
Wanda will be missed. She was loved by so many people and her big heart will be missed. Prayers to the family and Forsyth will miss her smile. Love to Dowlins & Wanda’s extended families.
Amber Nielson says
Shocked to hear of Wanda’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Wanda’s family
Paul Evan and Tracie Jones says
We are at a loss of words to hear of Wanda’s passing. She was such a kind and warm hearted lady. We are so sorry for Wanda’s family, as she will be missed greatly.
Barbie Kirkaldie says
It was a blessing to know Wanda,she was a sweet lady full of love and kindness.I will miss her, her hugs and smiles brightened the day.
Ronnie and Sharilyn Harvey says
We were lucky to get to know you. You will be missed by so many.
Bobbie Butler May says
Praying peace will be in the hearts of all who loved her beautiful soul. Wanda was a wonderful woman to me and my family. I remember the first time I met her, she scared the heck out of me. Little did I know that I would be lucky enough to eventually call her a friend. I sure loved that woman.
Rebecca W. Heberle says
We will truly miss her. She was a special lady.
Ron and Betsy Gehrke says
To all of Wanda’s family and friends-we are so very sorry to hear of Wanda’s passing. She was a dear friend to both of our families for over 40 years. Who could forget “Wicked Wanda?!” What a gem, she was to work for. She was an “Icon” in the Forsyth community, and did so much for so many for so long. Forsyth has lost one of its finest. Rest In Peace.
Denise Boggs-Burk says
Wanda was always so wonderful and kind to me! She was supportive and encouraging, she watched over us on the course and did her best to keep me out of trouble. Wanda has such a wonderful place in my heart. I am so sad and send my sympathies to everyone whose life she touched.
Pam Witmer says
Wanda was one of the first persons we met when we moved here to Forsyth. She was a sweet person and a good friend, we will really miss her. Our prayers are with her family. I pray that they find peace and comfort as only God can give.
Jill (Schwarzkoph) Venable says
So sad to see this news. Wanda was my first boss and taught me so much. I cherish the time spent at the club and knowing what a great presence and impact she had on our community. Wish I would have learned how to cook prime rib like she did! 😉
Bim Berish says
Wanda was a special person. Lots of fond memories at the country club. God bless her
Sharon Wetsch says
I was so sorry to hear of Wanda’s passing. She will be fondly remembered and missed. Hugs and prayers.
Debbie Skiles says
To Wanda’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. Wanda was a very nice lady. Always ready with a hug and a smile.
Colleen Lee Kluver-Johnson says
The African Violets in Heaven have gained a caretaker. Wanda was such a kind and funny cousin. I wish I could have seen her more often. You will be missed.
Dale and Rita Watson says
Wanda was such a special friend to us. We are so sad she has left us, but we are better for having known her. Rest In Peace. See you on the other side.
Doran & Sandy Hewitt says
So sorry to hear of Wanda’s passing. She possessed so many admirable traits. She was an awesome cook, friend to so many, full of laughter and much more. She will certainly be missed. Wanda may you Rest In Peace.
Joanne Schrupp says
Wanda was such a nice lady. She will be missed.
Liz Maughan says
❤️ Wanda was such a special person to me. She was definitely one of my favorites from my time working at the funeral home in Forsyth. She will be dearly missed. My prayers and condolences to her family!
God speed Wanda!
helen corbin says
Prayers to her family She always had a friendly greeting and a smile , will miss seeing her
Matt Simpson says
Jaxon and Giana will miss you bringing goodies over for them… What a great neighbor, and great person
pam says
So sorry to hear of Wanda’s passing, She was such a good friend to me and many many others. We spent many wonderful evenings play cards with John and Helen. What good memeries.
Connie Brown says
I was so shocked to see our community lost a very fine lady with the passing of Wanda. There are so many memories of Wanda through the years. My last will be of her two weeks ago at the Episcopal Church when she helped Cathy Byron and stood at the door smiling as we all left. Now she will be a greeter in Heaven!
Barb Heal says
There is nothing I can add to what has already been said, but I will always have a place in my heart for Wanda.
Shirley Hegel says
I remember all of the fun we had with Wanda in the early 70s in Forsyth. From the Oak Room Bar to Speedway diner, and everywhere in between. Wanda was a special lady and my condolences go out to the family.
Travis Millhollin says
Wanda was like a “second mom” to many of us kids who spent a lot of time at the golf course in the spring and summer. We would see how much we could get away with, she would catch and holler at us, then hug and smile at us as we left for the day. Such great memories of my times with her, especially visiting with her the last few summers at the museum. Thanks for being such a good influence on so many of us, Wanda – you are one of a kind and will be missed deeply by us all.
Terri and Charlie Brown says
Forsyth lost another one of its finest. Rest in peace Wanda. Our hearts are broken.
Vonnie Becker says
My sincere condolences go out to Wanda’s family and many, many friends at this time. She will be truly missed. It was a shock to hear of her sudden passing. We will all miss her warm smile, and her sense of humor. She was a great friend to several members of my family. Rest in Peace …
Kenneth and Lori Ferguson Reierson says
Wanda you will be missed, you were one of a kind with such a beautiful heart. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Butch and cHARLYS SCHULENBERG says
Wanda my sweet lady. I will miss your hugs and big smile. May you rest in peace .. Prayers and thoughts of peace to all the Family.
Susie Wollan says
Wanda was special beyond words. She cared deeply for her family and neighbors. Always volunteering to help those in need. She was an asset to the Forsyth Country Club. At Dean’s funeral she brought her little Christmas Tree decorated with the origami stars he had made for her. He only made these for special people. I will miss you my friend.
Cathy Byron says
I came to know Wanda through the special events sponsored by The Rosebud Foundation at the Country Club. Wanda’s “got it handled” demeanor took us through more than one whitewater crisis whether it was a golf tournament rained out or a Black Tie Blue Jeans event detail. She’d step up to the plate with class every single time. Her greatest feat was feeding 100 or so drenched golfers an hour and a half earlier than planned. She directed the kitchen volunteers and the delicious meal was served. It was a pleasure to work with her a couple of weeks ago as we planned the fire presentation for her church’s first Women’s Tea. My heart and prayers are with her family and loved ones as we say this last goodbye. We share your loss. RIP, dear friend.
Cathy Fleming says
We will miss her friendly smile. She was a friend to all and never let you be a stranger very long Our sincere condolences.
Sacramenta Landrum says
My deepest condolences to the Dowlin family and friends for the loss of your loved one Wanda. Very soon Jesus Christ will Resurrect the loved ones we have lost in death back to life Acts 24:15; John 5: 28,29, right here on a brand new Paradise Earth no more sickness pain or death Life Without End Revelation 21:1-5.
Jody and Bill Wallick says
We are sorry to hear of Wanda’s passing. She was a wonderful caring person who helped many. We will miss her.
Debby and Charles DeCock says
Our hearts are saddened deeply by the passing of Wanda! Forsyth will miss her tremendously as well as friends and family! God truly called up a special lady. Prayers to the Dowlin family!
Shirley and Tom Skinner says
God has certainly gained a most special angel, but those of us left here surely have lost one! Wanda was one of the kindest, most giving people I have ever known. She would do anything for you if she thought she could do it. Her passing will leave a hole in the community and in the hearts of all her friends. Rest in Peace dear Wanda.
Mike Vraa says
Wanda watched my friends and I grow up at the golf course. She reminded us of rules when she needed to (pretty often, especially at first), and encouraged us and supported us as we got older. It’s difficult to overstate the impact she had on hundreds of kids that spent time with her and around her. She was one of my favorite people to visit with every time I returned to Forsyth and she’ll be missed.
Joe Wilson says
My sincere condolences to all Wanda’s family, and all others that share the memories of what she meant to them. We could write chapters about what made her special, but it still would not cover all of how she touched our lives. I am shocked about her passing so soon, but will carry the memories forever, as will all in my family whose lives she touched.
Marge Herman says
So sorry to hear of Wanda’s passing. Forsyth has lost another outstanding citizen. Wanda will be missed sorely by all of her friends.Thoughts and prayers go out to her family. God bless.
Cheryl (Lee) Faranda says
Wanda was such a wonderful friend to my mom Vera Lee…… took her to church every Sunday in her last years. One of mom’s saddest days was when Wanda was sick and couldn’t pick her up for church. Wanda also created 2 great family parties for the Lee’s at the Country Club.
She was loved, and left us too soon.