Vera Anna Bertha Olson

Her only surviving sibling is Wilhelmina (Dixie) Marion and she lives with her daughter Ruth and son-in-law Jay in Puyallup, WA. Dixie and Vera had a wonderful visit together and reminisced about their childhood the Saturday just before going into the hospital on Sunday, May 14, 2023.

Vera’s immediate family includes her daughters, Cynthia Joan Edin, Lana Lee Sammons and her twin sister Lynn Marie Troop. Cynthias husband Charlie Edin passed away in 2016. They had a son Tony. Both Cindy and Tony reside in Redmond, WA. Lana’s husband Raymond Sammons passed away in 2020. They had two sons, Bryan and Scott. Bryan lives in Bothell and Scott lives in Woodinville. Lana currently is residing in Redmond WA. Lynn Troop is married

to Robert. They have a daughter Amy Jantz. Lynn and Bob reside in Spokane, Wa and Amy is living in Double Oak, TX

Preceding Vera in death was her husband LeRoy, who passed a mere two months shy of his 101st birthday. Also, preceding in death was her eldest daughter Lorrie Herring who passed away in 2011. Her siblings Velma Dake and Ruth Underwood. Along with her son-in-laws Charlie Edin and Raymond Sammons. Vera has left behind 5 grandchildren. Daniel Kopp, Bryan Sammons, Scott Sammons, Amy Jantz and Tony Edin. Nine great grandchildren, Maggie Kopp, Lydia Kopp, Samuel Kopp, Alexandra Sammons, Kylie Sammons, Erica Jantz, Emily Jantz, Everett Edin and Arlo Edin. Grand daughter-in-laws, Christy Sammons, Lesa Sammons and Stacey Edin.

Vera grew up on a farm with her father, mother and grandfather along with her 3 other sisters. The house consisted of a living room, kitchen and one bedroom to house all 7 of the family. Vera spoke only German a good part of her childhood. It wasn’t until she started school that she spoke some English which made it challenging. At the age of 10 Vera had Rheumatic Fever and spent 3 months in bed. She had to learn how to walk again and missed an entire year of school.

Vera loved to act and took part in many plays in school. She came in second place and won a bronze metal for one of her plays. She also dreamt of being a ballerina. She actually performed during a half time break at a school basketball tournament. She loved writing, poetry and reading. One of her poems was published in the local New Salem Journal. She and her sisters loved music and sang whenever and wherever they could. They would practice for hours in the grandstand across the street from their home.

Vera met her future husband LeRoy Olson at a traveling carnival that was across the street from her home. She was only a sophomore in High school. She was seen going into the “Crazy House” and never coming out. Her mother Emilie had the entire town out looking for Vera. She had taken a ride in LeRoy’s car with her girlfriend and they didn’t get home until late that evening. Her mother was angry but was relieved that Vera got home safe. LeRoy and Vera dated for 2 years before he asked her to marry him. Right after her graduation they were married on June 7, 1942. Shortly after the marriage LeRoy’s work took him to Seattle, WA. They moved there and spent many years moving frequently due to his job.

Their first daughter Lorrie Fae was born on August 18, 1944. Then along came Cynthia Joan on June 17, 1947. In the spring of 1948 LeRoy and Vera purchased their first home in Bellevue, WA. Soon after they moved into their home what a surprise they had Vera gave birth to TWINS, Lana Lee and Lynn Marie born May 3, 1949. They resided in the Bellevue house until 1968.

Vera was a devoted wife and mother to her husband and their 4 daughters. Once all the girls were in school Vera went to work full time at Sundstrand.

As an adult Vera’s favorite hobby was oil painting. She was self taught and painted a variety of subjects. She particularly loved painting old barns. Probably due to growing up on the plains of North Dakota.

Once LeRoy retired, they became “snowbirds.” They purchased a 40’ Vogue motorhome and started traveling through various states including Alaska. For 25 years they went to Apache Junction, just outside of Phoenix.

In their later years they moved to Spokane, Wa to be closer to their twin daughters. They had a beautiful home with a gorgeous view and enjoyed many years in that home. Once LeRoy had to quit driving they moved back to Redmond, WA. They lived independently in their own 1800 square foot apartment until LeRoy passed quietly with Vera by his side in April 26, 2021. Upon LeRoy’s passing Vera remained at the apartment taking care of all the daily activities and herself but just a little older and a little slower but still in relatedly good health.

Vera went peacefully with little pain just 6 months short of her 100th birthday.

We have all been blessed to have had Vera in our life. She was truly a beautiful person inside and out. A life well lived and loved.