Wanda Jean Vandewarker

Wanda Jean Flaming Vandewarker, “Jeanie”, passed away Tuesday, March 19, 2013.

She will be interned at Eagle Point National Cemetery in Eagle Point, Oregon.

Jeanie was born November 28, 1931 in Clinton, Oklahoma to William and Harriet Flaming. She moved to Oregon in 1946 where she attended Grants Pass High School. Jeanie married her first husband Ken Coursey, in 1947 and together they had four daughters and one son. In 1970, she married Harry Vandewarker and her family grew to include three additional daughters and a son. Jeanie was a wonderful mother to all nine of her children and very was proud that all of them graduated high school, seven from GPHS, one from the Oregon School for the Deaf, and one in Berryville, Arkansas. She worked as a bookkeeper and office manager in the forest products industry until her retirement in 1997.

She explored life through a variety of interests including farming, fishing, gardening, riding a motorcycle, and hunting. She loved kicking up her heels to dance with Harry. She also loved fancy high-heeled shoes and was heard to remark that even in her 80’s she would still wear them if she thought she wouldn’t fall over. Jeanie and Harry built three homes in the region, settling in Wolf Creek for their later years. She was famous for her “green thumb” and her beautiful park-like yard was the setting for many family BBQ’s and Easter egg hunts.

Jeanie is survived by her husband, Harry, her children Cheryl and Bill Norfleet, Linda and Marc Foehringer, Toni and Oscar Valenzuela, Bev Thielke, Ken Coursey, Cherie and Ron Dodge-Van, DebbieVandewarker, Penny Hansen, Jim and Darlene Kelly, 22 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 3 great, great-grandchildren, her sister Dorothy Heinline, brothers Bill Flaming, Don Flaming, nieces, nephews, and many good friends.

Grandma taught her children and grandchildren the power of hard work, courage, and kindness in the face of adversity as well as laughter and rejoicing in good times.We love her and will greatly miss her.