Wanda Lurae (Goodfox) Kanuho

Wanda Lurae Goodfox Kanuho was born on February 6, 1935 to Lawrence Goodfox, Sr. and Flora Lewis Goodfox in Pawnee, Oklahoma and was called home by our Lord on July 3, 2024 surrounded by her loved ones at their home place in Pawnee, OK. Wanda attended elementary school at Lela Grade School in Lela, Oklahoma and would later attend high school in Pawnee, OK where she graduated in 1952. In 1957 she chose to attend OSU Okmulgee Tech in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to study business classes and learn typing and shorthand. 

While attending OSU Okmulgee, Wanda met the love of her life, James Edward Kanuho, and they married in 1959 in Phoenix, Arizona. They lived in Phoenix for three years and during that time Wanda and Jimmy welcomed their baby girl, Florissa Gail (Flora). While in Phoenix, Wanda became increasingly lonesome for her family, so with the help of her father, they moved back to Pawnee. It was during their short time in Arizona when Wanda became lonesome for her family, that Jimmy lovingly began calling her “Blue”. After moving home to Pawnee, they soon welcomed a baby boy, James Edward, Jr. (Buddy) and three years later they welcomed another baby boy, David Keith. 

During her career, Wanda spent over 35 years in the health field. She began her nursing career as a Nurse Aide, working 5 years at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home, which was located on the Pawnee Nation Reserve. She then gave 16 years of service for her Pawnee people working as the Director of the Community Health Representative (CHR) Program. Following her time as the Director of the CHR Program, Wanda went to work at the Pawnee Municipal Hospital as a Certified Nurse Aid for the Home Health Department where she would eventually retire after serving the Pawnee Municipal Hospital for 10 years. Through her years working in the health field, Wanda made many life-long friendships with her co-workers, patients and families she loved serving.

Wanda served her community and her Pawnee People in many capacities throughout her life. Most notably she served as head cook for the Pawnee Indian Veteran’s Committee numerous times when her brother, Lawrence Goodfox, Jr., was the drumkeeper and when Tom Evans was drumkeeper. She also helped her father, Lawrence Goodfox, Sr., and her brother Junior as head cook for the mourner’s feast ceremony. As is taught in our Pawnee ways, she never turned anyone down when called upon to help or take on important duties. In addition to her service to her Pawnee people, Wanda was also a member of the Pawnee Nation Pocahantas Club.

Wanda was very proud of her 8 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, some of whom she gave special nicknames. She attended their school programs, ball games, birthday parties and other functions until her health began to limit her attendance. She always made sure they all knew how much she loved them and was proud of them. She never let a birthday go unnoticed and always celebrated their achievements and milestones with them in a big way. She was lovingly known as Big Aukut by her great-grandchildren. The special and precious memories she made with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will last their entire lives and are memories they will cherish and share with their own children and grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Wanda has touched so many lives and was a blessing to so many people. Along with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Wanda had many family, friends, and loved ones that meant so much to her and she would always greet them with a smile and leave with a hug or kiss on the cheek. Those who remember her and have been touched by her will cherish the memories they had together for years to come.