Verna Claire Neher

Verna Claire Neher, 88, a Wenatchee resident for about 60 years passed away, Saturday, August 6, 2011. Verna was born on September 27, 1922 in Hilo, Hawaii, Territory of Hawaii. Her parents were James H. Hutchings and Ida R. Osorio Hutchings. Verna grew up in Hilo attending Catholic school for the first and second grades, finishing her grade school at Hilo Standard before graduating from Hilo High School in 1941. She met her husband, Frank D. Neher, a Wenatchee Valley boy serving in the Army and stationed in Hawaii. They married on August 16, 1942, setting up their first home in Lihue, Kauai, where their first child, Marie, was born. They moved to Wenatchee shortly after Frank’s honorable discharge from the Army in October of 1945. Verna, a homemaker and mother, raised her five children in Wenatchee. As Verna was raising her children, she volunteered with the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival, Lady Elks, Chelan County Elections, Wenatchee and Washington State Bowling Associations and the many activities Frank and she supported. Verna bowled in the women’s league for years and was a score keeper (prior to machine scorekeeping) for the men’s leagues and local tournaments for many years. In 1978, Verna and Frank moved to Okanogan to be closer to their oldest son and to enjoy retirement. That gave Verna the opportunity to purchase and run Verna’s Gift Shop where she could showcase her lifelong passion for sewing and crafts. After four years she decided to sell the store and actually retire to her crafting. While in Okanogan she served as Chair of the Okanogan Senior House Committee from 1985 to 1987. They moved back to Wenatchee in 1987, where Verna was active with RSVP and the Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society. Verna loved to camp, fish, and enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. She also was a great pinochle and bridge player and enjoyed to play other card and board games with her family. Just prior to Frank’s death she moved to Colonial Vista Retirement Residence where she met new friends and enjoyed their many activities. After suffering a stroke she has spent the last two years with the compassionate care of many individuals while at Young at Heart Adult Family Home. Verna is survived by five children and their spouses, Marie and Gary VanDyke of Malden, WA; James and Helen Neher of Mt. Vernon, WA; Carol and Arthur Terrana of Kent, WA; Jeffery and Beverly Neher of East Wenatchee, WA; and Mark and Victoria Neher of East Wenatchee, WA; her sister, Noel Siminiski of Wenatchee; 17 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Frank D. Neher and by her sister, Carol “Peggy” Hutchings. Immediate family will gather at the end of summer in celebration of Verna’s life at which time we will sprinkle Verna and Frank’s ashes. Based on her wishes there will be no funeral or memorial service. Your thoughts and prayers are always welcome. Friends and family who wish to make a memorial donation in her name should consider the Central Washington Hospital Foundation or a charity of their choice.