Verna Maxine Fennimore Stephenson was a lifelong resident of Whitman County. She was born in her grandfather's (Harry Fennimore) home near Canyon, Washington four days after Christmas on December 29, 1927. She passed away March 4, 2016 in Pullman at the age of 88.
She was the first born of Marion and Leonora Fennimore. Verna grew up on the family ranch with her sister (Audrey) and brother (Elwood) along with first cousins LeRoy and Francis Rehman and Bonnie Fennimore. She attended elementary school in Riparia and high school in LaCrosse. After attending WSC for one year, she married her high school sweetheart, Ivan Stephenson. Ivan farmed near LaCrosse with his father, and Verna integrated into his Norwegian culture. She became an active member of Selbu Lutheran Church where she was a member of the Ladies Aid, a Sunday School Teacher and a seamstress making "mission quilts". She became mother to three children and was a PTA member in LaCrosse as well as a Brownie leader. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, baking and inviting guests to dinner.
Verna was employed by the U.S. Postal System in LaCrosse. She worked as a clerk for 32 years. The last three years of her life she lived in Pullman where 2 of her children resided.
Verna was preceded in death by her mother, father and husband. She is survived by her daughter Sandra (Tim) Price of Clarkston, WA, son Bryce (Nancy) Stephenson of Pullman, and son Blaine (Renee) Stephenson of Coeur d'Alene, ID., grandchildren Shawn and Trevor Price, Kale and Breya Stephenson and Arlaina Stephenson as well as 5 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held in the Selbu Lutheran Cemetery on Friday, March 11th at 1:00 p.m. The family suggests memorial gifts be made to Lutherhaven or to the LaCrosse Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 258, LaCrosse, WA. 99143. On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com
Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax is caring for the family.