Melva Ann Wanamaker

Melva Ann Wanamaker, 89, of rural Ticonic, Iowa, passed away Friday, September 1, 2023, at Pleasant View Care Center, Whiting, Iowa surrounded by her family.

A funeral service will be 10:30 A.M. Friday, September 8, 2023, at the Goslar Funeral Home Chapel, Onawa, Iowa with Darren C. E. Goslar, officiating. Live stream of the service will be posted on the Goslar Funeral Home website with Melva’s obituary. Burial will follow in the Grant Township Cemetery, rural Ticonic, Iowa. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Thursday, September 7, 2023, with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at the chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa.

Melva Ann was born April 2, 1934, on the farm place in rural, Ticonic, Iowa, the daughter of Charlie and Floy “Lella” (York) Larson. She grew up in rural Ticonic and attended Country School through the 8th grade and graduated from Castana High School with the class of 1952. Melva Ann Larson married Louis “Paul” Reed and four children were born to this union, Paula, Louis, Susan Lella, and Bruce. The couple later divorced.

Melva married Arthur Wanamaker and three children were born to this union, Wesley, Larry, and Terry. After Arthur passed away, Melva married Edward Wanamaker.

Melva had various jobs over the years, and they included: Wilson Trailer in Sioux City, Iowa, Onawa Foods, Onawa Dairy Queen, and Susie’s Quilts in Onawa. She enjoyed reading, sewing, and watching The Price Is Right, Wheel of Fortune, and The Lawrence Welk Show. Melva loved playing cards such as Cribbage and Peanuts. Melva loved her family very much and enjoyed spending time with them.

Melva was a past President and Treasurer of the American Legion Auxiliary Loren Hollister Post #496 of Mapleton, Iowa. She was a past member of the Red Hat Society. Melva was also a past member of the Ticonic Methodist Church until it closed its doors during the Covid pandemic in 2020.   

Survivors include her children, Paula (Clayton) Kluver of Smithland, Iowa, Louis (Terri) Reed of Castana, Iowa, Bruce (Wendy) Reed of Surprise, Arizona, Wesley (Sandy) Wanamaker of Crofton, Nebraska, Larry (Jodi) Wanamaker of Inwood, Iowa, and Terry (Crystal) Wanamaker of Woodbine, Texas; step daughter, Nancy (Noel) Yardley of Alliance, Nebraska; nineteen grandchildren, Todd, Kim, Brant, James, Luke, Caleb, Louis “Fritz”, Renae, Mitchell, Madison, Andrea, Derek, Matthew, Brandon, Katelyn, Jordan, Zac, Suede, and Diesel; several great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; one sister, Evelyn St. Peter; and one sister-in-law, Joyce Larson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Lella (York) Larson; infant daughter, Susan Lella Reed; brothers, Darrell (Barb) Larson and twin brother, Melvin Larson; sister, Eileen (Boyd) Henry; husbands, Arthur Wanamaker, and Ed Wanamaker; great-grandchildren, Arthur Brenden and Matthew Brenden; special friend, Duane Fredrickson; and best friend Darlene Utterback.

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.goslarfuneralhome.com

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