Selma Jennie Vining

Selma Jennie Baker Vining, 89, known for her compassion, remarkable sense of humor, sharp wit, a dynamic homemaking presence, and an intense devotion to her family passed away peacefully, February 12th in her home with her family at her side. She was born in San Francisco, CA, to Leon and Tillie Baker on March 9, 1925. Born the sixth child and last survivor of seven children. She was a lifelong resident of the Monterey Peninsula. A 1943 graduate of Monterey High School, she is survived by her husband of almost 68 years, Ronald Vining, six of their nine children: daughter Christine Stebbins and husband Bruce of Emmett, ID, son David Vining and wife Misa of Roanoke VA, daughter Bonnie Jacobsen and husband Steve of Emmett, ID, son Robert Vining of Pacific Grove, son Walter Vining and wife Mitzi of Pacific Grove, daughter Heidi Snyder and husband Craig of Bellevue, Nebraska, as well as two grandchildren, Darla Vining of Corral De Tierra, CA and Benjamin Vining of Long Beach, CA that they raised since their births. She leaves behind 31 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by three of her children: son Richard Vining, who passed away in 1982 at the age of 34; daughter Dorothy Vining in 1990 at the age of 38, and daughter Sharon Vining in 2013 at the age of 62. She was a deeply involved parent with all her children. Her family noted her happiness and commitment to the various jobs that she held while raising her children and over 100 children in her childcare business. She held the title of bookkeeper in her husband’s family construction business. At the age of 16, Selma worked for the F.W. Woolworth retail company in Monterey, CA. Shortly after High School, Selma moved to Portland, OR to initially work in the ship yards. She worked in ticket sales at the largest amusement park in the nation at that time: Jantzen Beach Amusement Park. She returned to Monterey to work for the SP Depot, branching the Southern Pacific Coast Line mainline. She also worked serving, ‘coffee to the boys,’ for the Lutheran Service Center in the historic Custom House Plaza Pacific House in Monterey, CA where she reconnected with a young man Ronald, that she grew up in Sunday School with, and later became her husband. She was an avid bike-rider for several years, accomplishing many notable long distance rides along the coastal trails and climbing many difficult hills most notably achieving Prescott Hill and riding into her late 70’s. She attended Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Monterey, CA and Calvary Chapel Monterey Bay for many years. Friends and family remember her community outreach in area convalescent home bingo tournaments, her support with hosting the Gideon’s International meetings regularly in her home and working with the local Mothers of Preschoolers MOPS programs. She had a deep faith in the Lord and attended several bible studies and home fellowships making several friends with her unique ability to always bring out a smile and laughter from everyone she met. She was considered by her family as a vibrant and central force that held them together after the death of her children. She was particularly devoted to her husband, family, and loyalty to See’s Candies premiere chocolate. Her favorite past time was staying up late at night after children in bed and digging into her favorite nuts and chews. Towards the end her husband became her late night chocolate partner, sharing her confections. Her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins felt a special connection and looked up to Selma many times as a second mother and will greatly miss her. Her family has extended a warm invitation to friends, and others who knew Selma for visitation to be held at the Paul Mortuary on Friday February 20th from 4-7pm and Saturday February 21st from 9am-Noon. All are welcome to a special Celebration of Life on February 21st 1pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. A reception to follow in the Bethlehem Ministry Center, 800 Cass Street, Monterey, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating in Selma’s name to Gospel for Asia, 1116 St. Thomas Way, Wills Point, TX, 75169 or Compassion Pregnancy Center, 640 Cass St., Monterey, CA, 93940 or the Bridge Ministry, 105 Central Ave., Pacific Grove, CA, 93950 or Haven Ministries, PO Box 79997, Riverside, CA, 92513-1997.