| Graduation Year | Class of 1961 |
| Date of Passing | Jan 31, 2023 |
| About | Verna Fay (Brown) Shafer, a lifelong resident of Yakima, Washington, passed away on January 31, 2023, at the age of 80. Verna was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1942. She was educated at Nob Hill Elementary, Broadway School, Wilson Jr. High, and Eisenhower High School. She attended Bethel Church of the Nazarene with her many friends. At age 13, Verna met her future husband, Stan, while turning cartwheels on her front lawn. They were married in Bethel Church just after high school graduation and renewed their vows in that same church 50 years later. They raised two children and were married for almost 62 years. After years of cooking, canning, sewing clothes, managing finances, and rearing children, Verna began working outside the home, first as a bank teller, and then in registration at YVCC. She retired from the college after 25 years of service. Verna's many interests included quilting, crafting, gardening, camping, and snowmobiling. She was a member of the Circle of Friends quilt group, the Fun Timers Model-A Club, and the Yakima Doll Seekers. She was an avid collector of dolls and antiques and her largest acquisition, a 1909 wooden railway caboose, made the local news. Verna had a fondness for animals and grew up with a myriad of pets, including goats, a skunk, and a raccoon. She always delighted in things that were interesting and unique. Verna is survived by her husband, Stanley Shafer, son, Martin Shafer (Donna), daughter, Leah Shafer (Nancy), and granddaughter, Molly Chapin, as well as her brother, Robin Lee Brown, and many extended family members and friends. Verna is preceded in death by her parents, Harold Oscar and Kay (Long) Brown, as well as her dear childhood and lifelong friend, Juanita (Breer) Ziegler. Verna's family wishes to thank caregivers, Sue Adams and Bonnie Morris, and the Memorial Home Hospice team for providing loving care and support that allowed Stan to keep Verna at home until the last few weeks of her life. The family is also very appreciative of the care and guidance provided by the hospice nurses, chaplains, and staff at Cottage in the Meadow, where Verna rested peacefully until her death. Deep appreciation also to family friends, Linda Jackson and Mary Croy, who checked in regularly and remained a constant in Verna's life. A Graveside Service will be held at Terrace Heights Memorial Park, on February 10, 2023, at 1:00pm for family and friends. Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.shawandsons.com. |
