Surrounded by her loving family, Belva stepped from this life to the next on March 31, 2018. Belva was born November 7, 1938, in Hot Springs, South Dakota, to Kenneth and Pearl Paulsen Walker. She was the oldest of three children.
Belva was predeceased by her father, Kenneth Walker; stepfather, Melvin Mintz; mother, Pearl Mintz; husband of 31 years, Jarrett “Woodie” Hanger; infant son, Terry Hanger; son, Darrell Hanger; sister, Avelda Parrott; and brother, Wendell Walker.
Belva is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law Richard and Jannett Hanger, Sherece Hanger, Tracy and Tonnie Hanger; her grandchildren Erick and Kelly Anderson-Hanger, Anna-Marie and Ryan Heussler, Ryan and Jacqueline Hanger, Miranda and Seth Rauch, Andrew and BreAnn Hanger, Jarrett “Cody” Hanger, Cody and Tenaya Goddard; her 11 great grandchildren: Cameron Millsap, Haley Heussler, Taylor Heussler, Kyler Heussler, Mason Hanger, Brooklyn Hanger, Dyllan Hanger, Easton Hanger, Kaileigh Goddard, Cameron Goddard, and Tyler Goddard.
Belva is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law Jim and Linda Hanger, Linda Sue Hanger, Brenda Lou Hanger, and Billy Joe Parrott; Great Aunt Leona McMaster; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins; all of them treasured by her. Especially treasured were Dana Parrott Harris and Tahni Marie King, who never missed an opportunity to shower her with affection.
Belva received her teaching credential in 1971 and was employed by the Klamath Trinity Unified School District for 25 years. She retired in 1997 and eventually moved from Willow Creek to McKinleyville to be closer to her sons. She began a new career at the McKinleyville Senior Center as Executive Director, taught adult education courses at McKinleyville High School, wrote a weekly column for the McKinleyville Press, and was active in the Grandma and Grandpa’s club at McKinleyville High. She enjoyed the companionship of her new friends and played Cribbage and Pinochle with them on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Belva had fond memories of growing up near the Black Hills of South Dakota. She shared memories of ice skating on frozen rivers and ponds, and snowdrifts that reached the second story of the hotel her mom and dad operated. She moved with her family from South Dakota in December of 1955 and arrived in Eureka at the height of the ’55 flood. She graduated from Eureka High School in 1956 and interrupted her college education to marry in 1957. Woodie was at Fort Ord, CA, for basic training. She joined him later while he was stationed in Virginia and then sailed the Atlantic to join him in Germany. They enjoyed their time there exploring German castles and Holland’s beautiful flower gardens. She returned home just in time to give birth to her second son, Richard, Darrell followed 11 months later, and 13 months later Tracy arrived.
Her sons were quick to invite their friends over, and it was not uncommon to find a few of them asleep on the couch the next morning. Some stayed for weeks, and at least one stayed for months. She loved to try new recipes and waited anxiously each year for her new cookbook from Beta Sigma Phi. One year after serving us Beef and Kidney Pie and Braised Cow Tongue, her new cookbook disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
Belva was fortunate enough to spend time traveling with her grandchildren and had a wild idea to take them on a dune buggy safari. She managed to get out of the first curve but promptly found herself turned over in the next ravine. She survived with only minor injuries to her dignity. Belva had an adventurous soul; she loved to travel, to read, do crossword puzzles, and considered herself a life-long learner.
The family expresses their sincerest thanks to Mad River Hospital, Mad River Home Health Care, Cloney’s Pharmacy, Nancy Sanders and Dr. Ebel for their compassionate care and support. A special thank you to Tarry and Robert Payne who ministered to all of us throughout Belva’s transition from this life.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service at 3:00 PM on Thursday, April 12. The service will be held at the Salyer Wayside Chapel in Salyer, CA. Her service will be held on what would have been her 61st wedding anniversary and in the same Chapel where she and Dad exchanged their wedding vows. Flowers and cards may be sent to 5021 Mitchell Road, Eureka, CA 95503. Memorial donations may be sent to the McKinleyville Senior Center, 1620 Pickett Road, McKinleyville, CA 95519.
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