Vernice Carlene Juker

Vernice Carlene was born June 20, 1925 in Enterprise, OR to Oscar and Carrie Hammack. She grew up on an Alder Slope farm and attended Gwen Country School. She became a hard-worker at a very young age as she and her 2 brothers worked on the family farm. After graduating from Enterpise High School, she worked for dentist Dr. Thompson.

Vernice married Gifford Botts in 1945, moved to Wallowa, OR and worked at Bates sawmill. They bought a farm on Prairie Creek where they raised horses, dairy cows, hay and grain. Vernice and Gifford welcomed 2 daughters: Carol Ann and Karen Darlene. She continued her love of horses as a member of the Wallowa County Wranglers Club, she loved the rides and functions, especially the week-long ride up to the high mountain lakes. Vernice worked a few summers at Russell's restaurant at Wallowa Lake and as a cook at Wallowa County Hospital. She and Gifford later divorced.

Vernice was baptized on March 8, 1970 at the Enterprise Christian Church.

Vernice married Leo Juker in 1971 where they owned a Case dealership and enjoyed fishing trips (one to Alaska). In the late 70s, they became snowbirds when they started spending the winters in Yuma. where they would swim at the rec center and play cards with friends.

After Leo's passing in 1986, Vernice became a permanent Arizonian and continued spending time planting flowers as her yard was her pride and joy. She loved watching the Diamondbacks and meeting friends for donuts. Vernice, Carol and Karen took a trip to Hawaii during this time.

On March 7, when Vernice's golden heart stopped beating, God put his arms around her and lifted up the best to his beautiful garden where she can finally rest. It broke our hearts to lose her, so parts of us followed her to the place she now calls home.

She was preceded in death by parents Oscar and Carrie, brothers Harold and Vernon 'Dick' and husband Leo.

She is survived by daughters: Carol (David) Erwin; Karen (Patricia Jarvis) Botts; grand-daughters Andrea Alness, Jennifer (John) Pinczes, Amber Erwin; family member Steve Alness; and great-grand children: Dennis Pinczes, Brittany and Brandon Alness.

As she now watches us from above, celebrate her life and honor her memory by these words she gave to us:

"From A Friend"

I would rather have one little rose from the garden of a friend, than to have the choicest flowers when my life is at an end. I would rather have the kindest words and a smile that I can see, than flattery when my heart is still and life has ceased to be. I would rather have a loving smile from a friend I know is true, than weeping over my life's form when I bid this world adieu. Then bring me on the flowers today, pink or white or red. I would rather have one flower now than a truckload when I am dead. Bring them on while I am here so the flowers I can see. When my eyes are closed in death, they will be no joy to me.

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria del Angel, Yuma, AZ.