Obituary of Belva Wanamaker

Belva Jean Wanamaker was born in Enid, Oklahoma Dec 15, 1924 and passed away peacefully to be with her dance partner Harold of 72 years on July 8, 2019 in Tacoma, Washington at the age of 94.

Their love affair began when she was 17 years old when she was swept off her feet by a young airman, “Rico Suavey” alias Harold Wanamaker who just arrived from his duty in Panama for training. They met at a USO Canteen dance in which music was performed by the famous Glen Miller’s band .

After a short courtship they were married on Dec 5, 1942. She endured her husband being shot down twice in air battles and when he was P.O.W. in German Luft III for 9 months. They started a family shortly after he was released and they lived in several places: Colorado, Wichita and Derby, KS and Snohomish, WA and were snowbirds living in Mesa, AZ for 30 plus years. She belonged to the Republican Women’s Club, Gourmet Club of Everett, WA and Ballroom danced at Sons of Norway. In her later years, after her beloved Harold passed away in 2014, she resided in Tacoma WA at Merrill Gardens.

Belva Jean Wanamaker is survived by her children, Jan A. Wanamaker (Nancy) of Federal Way, Karen Truesdell (Robert) of Lakewood, Brent Wanamaker (Shelley) of Kent, 7 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Belva was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.