Vena Lee Chesley was born at home on November 5, 1928, to Jesse Lee Wilson and Ellen Compelube Wilson in Haywood, Oklahoma. They moved to Arizona in the 1930’s, working as migrant farm hands. Her father worked his way into owning a successful farm in Geronimo, Arizona, where he was able to better her and her five siblings’ lives. Vena is the third oldest to six children- Juanita, Margaret, Leroy, and the twins, Pearl and Pauline.
While being top of her class, Vena attended both her junior and senior prom with her future husband, Andy Chesley, and even has record of participating in Senior Ditch Day. She graduated as valedictorian from Ft. Thomas high school in 1948.
Vena and Andy were married April 9th, 1949, in Lordsburg, New Mexico. They lived in Safford, Arizona for a time, then moved to Geronimo in 1959. After several years, they moved to Phoenix where Vena worked as a cashier at Smitty’s. She later retired to help take care of her mother until her passing in May of 1989. She worked as a caregiver in her late 60’s, later taking care of Andy when he was diagnosed with cancer up until his passing in June of 2002.
She is survived by her children: Rodger Ray Chesley (Miriam), Roxy Ann Hull (Tom), Andrea Brown (Jeff), and Jessie Houtz (Jeff). In addition to being an amazing mother, Vena was an exceptional grandmother- always assuring each grandchild that they were indeed her favorite. She had a nurturing manner and made sure that everyone in her home felt loved and cared for from the moment they stepped in until the second that they left.
Vena’s memory is kept alive by not only her children, but also her grandchildren: Jennifer, Shawna, Jason, Christopher, Randy, Kimberly, Rod, Andy, Tara, Tyler, Melissa, Callie, Lindsey, Kattie, Tricia, Stephanie, Cassie, Geoff and Emily. She also has many, many great grandchildren who fondly remember her love for Diet Coke, Lays chips, and cherry red nails.
Vena was an inspiring woman full of adventure, kindness, hard work and unconditional love for not only her family, but everyone around her. Even in her last years, she was creating new friendships, looking after not only the people she lived with, but even the ones who were taking care of her. She will be missed everyday but will be remembered by her bright smile, contagious laugh, and resilience.
A viewing will be held at Mariposa Gardens from 6-8 pm at 6747 East Broadway Mesa, Arizona.
Funeral services will be held on July 17th, at 10:30 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2700 East Guadalupe Road, Gilbert AZ 85234. Vena will be laid to rest by Andy’s side at 3:30pm at Emery Cemetery Near Ft. Thomas that same day. Funeral services are being arranged by A.L Moore-Grimshaw Mortuary at 710 West Bethany Home Road, Phoenix Arizona 85013.
