Clarvine Van Epps

Clarvine Kay Manuel-Van Epps, 63, passed away on Monday March 29, 2013 at Cottage in the Meadow. She was born on December 7, 1949 to Vincent Manuel and Clara Viola Stueckle in Walla Walla, WA.

She was raised in the West Valley area, graduating from West Valley High School and then continuing her education at Yakima Valley Community College receiving her Associates Degree. She then met John Van Epps and the couple was married on May 8, 1971 in Naches, WA.

Clarvine had many hobbies, but she especially loved event planning, flower arranging, scrapbooking, decorating for the holidays, antiquing and traveling. She loved to travel, especially to the beach, and really enjoyed RV’ing. In addition to her hobbies, Clarvine also spent a lot of time volunteering in her community. She organized and coordinated the Memorial Day Luminaria at Tahoma Cemetery for many years, as well as decorating for funerals of local fallen soldiers. She also volunteered with Wreaths Across America, Memorial Foundation Hospice and Cottage in the Meadow.

Clarvine was preceded in death by her parents, Dean & Clara Stacy and Vince & Bess Manuel. She is survived by her loving husband, John Van Epps of Yakima; daughter, Shannon Van Epps of Selah; Sons; Eric Van Epps and Kevin Van Epps, both of Yakima; sister, Carlotta Manuel of Yakima; brothers, Phil (Donna) Manuel of Yakima, Lorin (Merla) of Yakima, and Jan (Laura) Manuel of Longview; mother-in-law, Claudia Van Epps of Tieton; brother-in-law, Dean (Cec) Van Epps of Ellensburg; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who were truly very dear to her.

The family would like to thank everyone that has shown their care, love, and support over the last several years, it really meant a lot. The family would also like to especially thank Memorial Hospital Staff on floors two and three, all hospice staff especially Dottie Hildebrand, Laurie Oswalt (who were also special friends), and her favorite RN Anna, as well as Dr.’s Amar and Licht.

A graveside service will be held at Terrace Heights Memorial Park on Friday, May 3, 2013, at 1:30, with a reception to follow at Rainier Memorial Center. In lieu of flowers please make donations in care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home to Memorial Foundation Hospice, Cottage in the Meadow, or any charity of your choice.

Keith & Keith Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. To celebrate the life and share a memory of Clarvine, please visit www.keithandkeith.com.