Verna Jean Shermikas

Verna was born in Hot Springs, Montana, where her love for the mountains, rivers, and wild places took root and never left her. Though life’s journey eventually brought her to Oregon, her heart always belonged to the forests and streams of her hometown of Thompson Falls.

Verna is survived by her devoted husband of 44 years, Randall Shermikas, and their three daughters, who were the light of her life: Marcy Shermikas (with partner Nathan Horton) and their children River, 4, and Johnny, who made his entrance into the world on Verna’s 71st birthday; Tegan Shermikas (with husband Ryan Inocencio) and their children Madison, 6, and Connor, 4, along with Tegan’s older sons Sean, 19, and Ryan, 16; and Bree Shermikas.

Verna’s heart was as big as the Montana sky. She devoted her life to caring for God’s creatures great and small—furry, feathered, and scaled. Her compassion found a home at the Thompson River Animal Care Shelter, where she spent many years working and volunteering. Every life she touched—animal or human—was better for having known her.

She was never happier than when she was outdoors: picking huckleberries on the mountainside, casting a line into a quiet creek, or later, steelhead fishing with her daughter Tegan and granddaughter Maddie in the Gorge. Those moments, filled with laughter and love, captured everything Verna held dear—family, nature, and the simple joy of being together.

Above all, Verna loved being a grandmother. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she poured endless love, patience, and wonder into every moment with them.

Her strength, wisdom, and laughter will be missed beyond words. The world feels quieter without her in it, but her love will live on—in every rescued animal, every mountain breeze, and every heart she touched.

In lieu of flowers or cards, the family asks that donations be made to your favorite animal rescue in Verna’s memory.