Veneda Pearl Howard

She was born in Grand Junction, CO, on October 27,1930 and true to her birth time, was always an “early riser”. Her father always asked her if she had to wake the chickens! None of her children followed in this tradition!

She graduated from Clinton Kelly High School of Commerce (Cleveland) in Portland Oregon in 1948 and was awarded a scholarship to study art. She worked as a bank teller and retired from US Bank after 33 years.

Veneda had many hobbies and was always up to try something new. She seemed to have endless energy and that was reflected in her gorgeous gardens and her precious roses. Always claiming to be up at 5:30 (“the best part of the day!”), she could be found puttering in her yard, singing and making it more beautiful every day.

She also had a stained glass studio, did water colors, acrylic and oil painting, and was a whiz at both jigsaw and crossword puzzles!

She was married to Vincent R Sherer, Jr and later in life to James R. Gillan. Veneda had five sisters (Marquita, Sue, Maxine, Bunny and Naomi). One brother Sammy died at age 11. She is survived by Bunny and Naomi.

She had five children; Glenn Ludtke ( Missouri), Kat Roth (Virginia), Crys Heston (Oregon), Val Sherer (Oregon), Vince Sherer III (Texas). Veneda had 15 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. She also loved her stepchildren: Roxanne Pallas and Rocky Gillan.

Veneda was a very kind and generous soul who couldn’t pass up anyone in need, no matter what their circumstances. Her love of giving was felt by many both locally and around the world.

She is missed by all of us who loved her and everyone will miss taking her Kentucky Fried Chicken, coleslaw and a Hagen Daz!