Wanda Sharon Beck

Wanda was born in Bremerton, Washington to Joseph and Frances (Bell) Best. She was one of four children. She attended South Kitsap High School in Port Orchard, Washington, and graduated in 1958. Shortly after her graduation she married the love of her life, Richard Albert Beck, on October 18, 1958 in Bremerton.

Richard and Wanda lived in Port Orchard until the fall of 1964, shortly after their second child Andy was born. Their daughter, Cindi, was 3 years of age at this time. The family moved to College Place, Washington, so Richard could attend Walla Walla College. After his graduation, he worked as the head of the Financial Aid Department. He worked for Walla Walla College until 1985, when the family moved to Anchorage. In 1988, the family settled in Portland, where they have lived ever since. Over the years, Wanda held various positions, but her primary concern was taking care of her family. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Wanda had many talents and passions. She was a wonderful cook, and had a large collection of cookbooks that brought her great pleasure. She loved to garden and be in the outdoors. She loved animals, which she lovingly referred to as “people in fur suits”. She fed the neighborhood cats, raccoons, squirrels and birds. Wanda had a dear friend, Bonnie, with whom she would watch the QVC “In The Kitchen With David” every Sunday morning. They would also take turns sending each other boxes of goodies every month – which she greatly looked forward to sending and receiving.

Wanda was a woman with a childlike faith, and she had a strong relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She lived to serve the Lord, to serve her family, and to serve those that she loved and cared for. She always put others before herself, and her family will always remember her kind and caring nature, beautiful smile and wonderful sense of humor.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, her sister JoAnn Yett and brother Joseph Best, Jr. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Richard Albert Beck; her children, Cynthia Ann “Cindi” Beck Robison and Phillip Andrew "Andy" Beck; her grandchildren, Cody Robison, Michal Beck – Childers (husband Zach), Jamie Robison (partner David Larralde) and Alexis Robison; great grandchildren Olivia Robison Larralde and Skyllar Robison Larralde (due to arrive any day); sister Aleta Crabtree; longtime friend and aunt Shalene Bell and friend Bonnie Tollison; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and sister in laws who love her dearly and will miss her presence.

At Wanda’s request, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Leiomyosarcoma Support and Direct Research Foundation or an animal shelter of your choice.

The Family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the Doctors and Nurses at Compass Oncology for the love and wonderful care that Wanda received from them, and to the staff at Adventist Medical Center for their care and support.