Juanelle Wanamaker, 81

Juanelle Wanamaker, 81, was born in Olton, Texas, on Oct. 30, 1934, to Cole Miller and Nellie Hooper Miller. She was preceded in death by four siblings — Norma, Nolice, Wanda and Ivan. She moved to California at the age of 9, and married Gordon Wanamaker in 1952 and were married for 21 years.

They had three children: Terina (deceased shortly after birth), Arlen (deceased Aug. 15) and Cherlyn (married to Scott Johnson). She loved her five grandchildren — Lindsay (married to Nathan Larimore), Leisa (married to Jess Remp), Stewart, Christopher and Gregory; as well as her three great-granddaughters — Brooke and Devan Remp, and Elle Larimore. Two days before she passed, she learned that her fourth great-grandchild was due in April.

Besides being a supreme homemaker, she renovated rental properties with her husband, Gordon. She worked at the Auto Club of Southern California and retired from CUNA Mutual Insurance Co., before moving to Cottonwood, Ariz., in 1993. She loved her family, her home, her church, her doctors and her many friends. On July 10, she moved to The Garden Plaza of Post Falls in Idaho to be near her daughter’s family, and she felt so welcomed and pampered while living there.

After being in remission from an aggressive form of thyroid cancer for more than two years, a recent trip to the E.R. confirmed that cancer had returned with a vengeance (stage 4 — in her spine, liver and lungs). She opted to spend her last few days on Earth at The Hospice House of North Idaho where she was treated like royalty — no more trips to dialysis (although she loved the people at Fresenius Dialysis in Post Falls), no more swallowing pills and no more diet restrictions — the first thing she ordered was a cheeseburger with grilled onions and a chocolate shake! She really appreciated the many sweet phone calls, cards and messages from so many family members and friends.

She passed into the open arms of Jesus on Aug. 26, 2016, and a whole body donation was made through MEDCURE. She was loved and admired for her perseverance and optimistic attitude throughout her many challenges and health ordeals, and she will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Verde Christian Church or Verde Valley Christian School, 102 S. Willard St., Cottonwood, AZ 86326 or the charity of your choice.