Wanda Lee Wahlen

Wanda Lee Wahlen, age 83 passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024. She was born on October 16, 1940 in Astoria, Oregon. Her parents were Charles Manke and Virginia "Virgie" McKinney. Charles and Virgie had 12 children. With Wanda's passing there is only one sibling living, John Manke.

Wanda's parents were dairy farmers. Over the years they owned and operated farms from the northern coast to Woodland, Washington. She had fond memories of growing up, and often reminisced about her childhood.

Wanda married Walter Warren on August 5, 1957 in Stevenson, Washington. They had three children: Christy, Rusty and Michael.

Walter was employed in telecommunications, and the family lived in various places throughout the USA. They finally settled in Galion, Ohio. They spent their spare time fishing in Lake Eire, picnicking at Mohican Lake and participating in local events in the small town, as well as being active members of a local Baptist Church.

Wanda and Walter divorced, and she and the children moved back to Vancouver, Washington. Eventually Walter also moved back to Vancouver, and although the two did not rejoin, they remained cordial, and both attended all family events.

After the kids were grown, Wanda met and married Ernest Wahlen. They married in Vancouver, Washington in August of 1982. Through this union Wanda gained three stepchildren: Brenda Richardson (Eldon); Debbie Cianci (Michael) and Clinton Wahlen (Gina Devine).

Wanda and Ernie loved watching their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were avid mushroom hunters, loved camping and spending time with her brother, Eldon Manke and sister-in-law Betty in Warrenton, Oregon. The four of them would stay up late into the night playing card games, dominos and other games.

Wanda and Ernie were active members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She served in various positions for the church, and was well-known for her tasty dishes at church potlucks, especially her French Green Bean Casserole.

Ernie passed away November of 2020.

Wanda continued living in their home until she went into hospice. She then moved to her son Rusty's home, where she passed away. Rusty and his wife Lucinda were with her when she fell asleep in death.

Wanda is survived by her three children: Christy Evans (Michael), Rusty Warren (Lucinda Buddeau) and Michael Warren (Rhonda Wooten). She also is survived by her three step-children: Brenda Richards (Eldon), Debbie Cianci (Michael) and Clinton Wahlen (Gina Devine). She had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family of Wanda would like to express their gratitude to all of her friends who reached out to her over the years. In particular we would like to show our gratitude to the following church members: Rosemary Ferguson, David and Vickie Rodriguez, Jacque Eichorn and Olivia Gac. Thank you for the visits, phone calls and prayers.

A Graveside Service will be held for Wanda on June 19th, 2024 at 11am, at the Kerns-Bozorth Cemetery 197 E Scott Avenue, Woodland WA 98674.

David Rodriguez of Whipple Creek Seventh-day Adventist Church will be officiating and musician, Levi Warren will be playing guitar.

Donations in Wanda's Memory may be made to: Clark County Adventist Community Services 3114 E. 4th Plain Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98661