Waneta Joy Steelman

Waneta Joy Steelman, 82, passed away peacefully at Good Samaritan Health Care Center on October 14, 2011. She was born to Clyde and Ethel (Leitzman) Hawkins on May 6, 1929 in Walla Walla, Washington. After graduation from AC Davis High School in Yakima, she worked as a bookkeeper and in sales. In the mid-fifties, she was active in politics and was the first woman elected president of the Young Democrats of Washington. Later in life, she enjoyed volunteer work at the American Cancer Society’s Discovery Shop.

Waneta’s love of family was everything. She especially enjoyed being a champion supporter of her children and grandchildren in all of their sports and activities; every game, you could find Gram cheering on the sidelines, with great pride. She devoted her time and love by sharing and teaching her grandchildren cooking, baking, sewing, needlepoint and gardening skills. She was a second mom to her niece, Vicki Tewalt, to whom she taught cooking. When she did something, she did it very well. Her family dinners were legendary; she set a beautiful table and taught gracious manners. She also had an uncanny ability to stretch these dinners out one or two hours longer then anyone expected.

Waneta is survived by her son Bruce Steelman (Nancy); granddaughter, Aerin Adrian; great-grandson, Sydney Satterfield; daughter, Susan Noel; granddaughter, Jennifer Warner; grandson, Russell Warner (Jessica); great-grandson, Carson Warner; granddaughter, Jessica Newley (Chris); brothers, David Hawkins and Dennis Hawkins; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Waneta was preceded in death by her parents Clyde and Ethel Hawkins and sister, Wanda Vaughn.

The family is thankful for the care given by the staff of Good Samaritan Health Care Center

There will be a visitation Wednesday from 5 to 8 pm at Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home. A Graveside service will be held Saturday at 1pm at West Hills Memorial Park. Arrangements under the direction of Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home, Yakima, WA.