Wanda Wray Johnston Putnam

Wanda Wray Johnston Putnam, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and passionate advocate for the arts and community, passed away peacefully at home on February 25, 2025. Born in Washington, D.C., on November 3, 1936, to Felton McClelland Johnston and Wanda Stippich Johnston, Wanda’s life was a testament to intellect, creativity, and unwavering dedication to the causes she loved.

A lifelong learner, Wanda earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, graduating cum laude from Mesa State College in 1985. She married her beloved husband, William E. Putnam, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, and together they built a life filled with love, curiosity, and adventure, raising five children and celebrating the joys of eight grandchildren.

Wanda’s professional career was as diverse and accomplished as her personal passions. She worked as a legal secretary and law office manager before serving as Assistant Manager of the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra. A tireless advocate for the arts, she dedicated 21 years to the Board of Directors for the Grand Junction Musical Arts Association, where she ultimately served as chairman. She was also a guiding force on the Avalon Theatre Board and the Mesa State College Foundation Board. As an early promoter and founding supporter of the Grand Junction Symphony Foundation, her contributions helped shape the cultural landscape of the community she loved.

Her passion for history, art, and culture extended far beyond Grand Junction. A devoted traveler, Wanda explored England, Scotland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Israel, and even Alabama, collecting experiences and stories along the way. She found joy in the world’s great art museums, always holding a special place in her heart for the National Gallery in Washington, D.C.

Wanda’s dedication to the arts and education was evident in her active involvement with esteemed organizations such as the National Museum for Women in the Arts, the Denver Art Museum, the Library of Congress Arts Association, the Smithsonian Institution, the Metropolitan Opera Guild, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Locally, she lent her time and vision to the Mesa County Historical Society, the Civic Forum, and various conservation and cultural initiatives.

A woman of intelligence, elegance, and boundless generosity, Wanda enriched the lives of all who knew her. Whether advocating for the arts, championing education, or simply sharing her love of history and culture, she left an indelible mark on her community and beyond.

She is survived by her children, Brenda Wray, Brad Chatfield, and Paul Nash; her stepdaughter, Jan Burtard; and her beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family.

In honor of Wanda’s lifelong commitment to the arts, donations may be made to the Grand Junction Symphony Foundation in her memory.

Her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in the power of music, history, and the arts to bring people together.