Wanza Marine Leigh, age 90, passed peacefully 5/20/20, in Bellingham, WA with family by her side. She was born August 25, 1929 in Cordell, OK to E.J. and Mary Ellen (Mollie) Davis.

Wanza was known by “Dude”, the nickname given to her by her much beloved and doting father.

Wanza graduated from Butler, OK in 1947 with a full scholarship to play college basketball. The caption beside her yearbook photo reads “Not heard about much, except in basketball, WOW!”. Her scoring record was never broken. After graduation she married Thomas Winfred Spencer, also of Butler, they had four children together.

Wanza had various jobs over the span of her life, beginning with picking cotton as a child and working in a marshmallow factory in Clinton, OK as a teenager.

Wanza sewed, quilted, knitted, crocheted, was a marvelous cook and talented oil painter. Many hours were spent in quilt shops, fabric and craft stores. Her hands were rarely still.

Wanza never lost her passion for sports. To call her an avid NBA fan would be an understatement. Life often revolved around game times during basketball season. She was a true and knowledgeable student of the game and did her fair share of coaching from her living room.

Wanza was preceded in death by her infant son Ricky Spencer, brother R.W. (Buster) Davis, Sister Rhodie Archer, husband Clete Leigh, and four grandchildren. She is survived by her three daughters and their husbands, Carlotta and Dave Jarratt (Bellingham, WA), Alana and Kelly Brock (Azle, TX), Tomi and Derral Mosby (Ridgefield, WA); 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 7 greatgreat grandchildren and her numerous nieces and nephews.

Wanza was a unique character who lived life to the fullest.

A celebration of her life will be planned for a later date when the current situation has resolved, and a ceremony can be safely held.