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Monday, November 9, 2026 at 4:34 PM

In loving memory of Wanda Lee Susan Smith (Boyd)

In loving memory of Wanda Lee Susan Smith (Boyd)
Born in Wichita Kansas on December 29th, 1942 to Ivan L. Smith and Anita Dennis. Passed on April 3rd, 2020 in Fernley, Nevada surrounded by family.

Known by most as "Sue" and lovingly called "Old Woman" by a few. Sue lived her life on her terms and exemplified love, courage, kindness, generosity, and honesty. Her work consisted of so many things, from working at Beech Aircraft to Graphic Art Specialist at the University of Texarkana Texas, waitressing, truck driver, trailer park manager, to taking care of the elderly.

Sue was a quick-witted, strong, independent, and very funny woman who, according to her, did a "rain dance" because it was now raining and we needed it. As the matriarch of the family, she was consistently always there with kind words, an open heart, no judgment, a hot meal, warm bed, a shoulder to cry on, a few extra bucks, and a cribbage game if you wanted to lose. There wasn't an animal alive she didn't love. She was frequently caught releasing spiders to the outdoors, feeding mice, birds, and squirrels, stepping over ants, and taking in any and all strays, which seemed to include humans as well as canine and felines. She loved the ocean, planting and growing, playing bingo and slot machines, reading books, doing crosswords, but it was her love of friends and family that will forever be remembered. At any given time that her great-grandkids were over, she would be in the kitchen showing them how to make homemade cookies and sending them home with money because it was just sitting there anyways.

She is preceded in death by Ivan and Anita (parents), Ricky Simpson (sister), Roy Curtis Cockrell (son). She is survived by her children Ronald Wayne Cockrell, Ray Lee Cockrell, and Rhonda Sue Call (Cockrell) and Son-in-law Reed Alan Call, her grandchildren, RaeAnn Mitchell, Amanda and Autumn Hayes (Rays'), Wanda Sue Cockrell, Jimmy Lee Lane Jr. and his wife Kimberlie Lane, Colby Ray Sapienza and his wife Julie Sapienza, Shasta Lynn Sapienza-Fromm and her husband Daniel Fromm, Rachel Magrini, and Madison Magrini, and her great-grandchildren Alexandria and Austin Kaulitzke, Trenton Butler (Wandas), Romie Sapienza (Colbys), Brennen and Sarenity Willock, and Azalea Fromm (Shastas), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Good-bye for now mom, I love and miss you terribly, oh, and thanks for todays raindance.

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Comment author: Donald DeVold Comment text: Great article It’s actually spelled DeVold Thank you Comment publication date: 10/29/26, 4:58 PM Comment source: The great robbery: Strip-6 by Solis helps Vaqueros punch playoff ticket Comment author: CH Comment text: I want to start a betting 'pool' for the October, November, and December closures: 1. A dent in the pool slide. 2. A failed breaker. 3. A pebble loose in the water part (replacing all concrete) 4. Hurricane Polo makes a sudden turn and blows off the roof (again). With soft muscles after 7 months of no swimming, the only health left is my sense of humor :) Comment publication date: 10/1/26, 11:18 AM Comment source: Fernley Pool Renovation Moves Forward, One Test at a Time Comment author: PFB Comment text: Why can't you guys find competent contractors.. For a large municipal facility like the indoor-outdoor Fernley Swimming Pool located at 300 Cottonwood Lane, a complete ground-up commercial build or major structural renovation typically spans 6 to 12 months or longer when factoring in large-scale engineering, public municipal permitting, specialized commercial HVAC/roofing, and health department inspections. The current renovation has been- The Fernley Swimming Pool has been closed for approximately six to seven months since late February 2026 for a major roof replacement and facility renovation. Now you sat October. Soooo 8 months for a new roof. The picture shows no other renovations. Comment publication date: 9/17/26, 7:14 PM Comment source: Electrical problem delays Fernley pool opening Comment author: P Comment text: Relative of the Mayor is to over see this site. Anyone who knows Fernley KNOWS this is more of the who you are related to and know business in this town. VOTE THEM ALL OUT AND THE CALIFORNIA TRANSPLANTS. Comment publication date: 9/16/26, 10:31 PM Comment source: Lift Station Failure Released Untreated Sewage Comment author: Christopher Walsh Comment text: Could you look into the strong recurring smell around Fernley? It smells like sewage and it can be bad enough that people don’t want to be outside or open their windows. It would be helpful to get an investigative journalist help the Fernley residents get a clear answer from the City, NDEP, and any involved facilities. I was really disappointed that the smell was not disclosed by my realtor when I moved here. I enjoy Fernley and am seeing the improvements that are being made. With Appreciation Comment publication date: 9/12/26, 2:49 PM Comment source: Sewage spill near City of Fernley Municipal Well 9 Comment author: Alicia Euresti Comment text: We are all so blessed to have Pastor Matt and Mrs. Regina in this town. They have become a major part of pur family and our children adore them. Thank you both for all you do for qll of us. We love you!!!! Comment publication date: 9/6/26, 9:24 PM Comment source: Fascinating Fernley: Meet Your Neighbors at Living Faith Food Pantry