Vera Jane Grunenfelder

Vera Jane (Kiffer) Grunenfelder was born October 18, 1931, at home in Dryad, Washington. She lived there until she turned five and then the family moved to Centralia, where she lived for the rest of her life. She passed away peacefully at Silver Acres Adult Family Home in Chehalis, Washington, on March 10, 2026, at the age of 94.

Vera attended Washington Grade School, first through eighth, and then Centralia High School, graduating in 1949. There she met her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Ted Grunenfelder, who proceeded her in death in 1996.

Vera was an active member at St Mary’s Church and in St. Catherine’s Circle in Centralia, WA for over 50 years. She was an avid gardener, a skilled seamstress and enjoyed bowling weekly at Fairlanes and golfing at Riverside Golf Course well into her eighties. An avid fan, she enjoyed all sports while her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were growing up, attending many games of football, baseball, softball, track, tennis, and soccer. Another love of hers was music, any type, including school choirs and bands, concerts, and musical plays.

Ted and Vera were avid dancers, with Saturday date nights at the Eagles. They had just started traveling when Ted passed, way too early. Vera then spent the next 15 years seeing most of the United States, as well as travels abroad to a total of six continents. She had a scheduled cruise to the Antarctic, the only continent she had not visited yet, when Covid struck, and the trip was cancelled.

At 85, Vera published her autobiography, “Vera’s Story, No Regrets” outlining her life to a tee. She shared it with many family members and friends. This was one of her prized accomplishments.

Her favorite activity for the past 30 years has been watching and following the Mariners, including several trips to Spring Training. She was surprised on her 91st birthday with a trip to T-Mobile Stadium to watch the game in a private suite…this would be the last time she attended a game.

A devoted wife, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Vera’s greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her four children, Emalee (Gary) Calkins, Frank (Paula) Grunenfelder, Karyl (Kevin) Vasereno and Tom Grunenfelder, her nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, Glade and Iva Kiffer, her husband, Ted Grunenfelder and her siblings, Nola Markhart and Richard Kiffer. Vera will be missed dearly and will continue to live in the hearts of all those that loved her.

A funeral service and reception will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Centralia, Washington, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026. In lieu of flowers, per Vera’s request, please donate to your favorite charity.