Constance (Connie) Marie Juliene Wachsmith, 92 (two weeks prior to her 93rd birthday), passed away peacefully on Thursday January 16th in Yakima, Washington with her family at her side. Connie was born on February 3, 1921 in Williston, North Dakota. The daughter of Nels and Agnes (Sveen) Overland. The family moved to Yakima in 1926. After graduating from Yakima High School, she worked in the office at Perry Trade School before attending Seattle Pacific College, then graduating from the Nursing School at the University of Washington. Being school nurse at Kings Garden in Seattle, and working at the Taylor Richardson Clinic in Ellensburg followed. She returned to Yakima where she worked in surgery at Memorial Hospital. While working there she became reacquainted with a widower and his three young children. In December of 1958 she married Richard Wachsmith and changed her career from hospital nurse to that of wife and mother. Two more children were added and completed their family.
Connie’s relationship with God was very important to her from the time she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at a young age. She served the Lord faithfully throughout her life. She loved the old hymns, playing them on the piano or accordion at church or the Union Gospel Mission. A group from the Yakima Free Methodist church would do a service there the first Monday of each month. She and Dick traveled to India and Haiti to help missionaries in those countries. In Haiti Connie was able to put her surgery skills back to work in the Dessalines Hospital where Nancy worked. Her prayers and support have been an encouragement to many in her family and around the world. Her children are grateful for the Christian heritage and example.
Connie was known for her wonderful homemade apple pies. She could turn "a bite to eat" into something more like a Thanksgiving meal. She was the hostess for many extended family dinners. She canned many jars of fruit, grown on the farm each summer, to keep us through the winter.She loved flowers and enjoyed being a part of the Lower Naches Garden club.
Connie took care of others her whole life. She took care of Dick until his death in November 2006. She also took care of her parents, her in-laws and other family members.
Connie is survived by five children; Nancy of Gleed, Richard Jr (Erlene) of Ellensburg, Lois (Bill) Davis, Philip (Karolyn) and Grace (Aaron) Clark all of Gleed.
She is survived by nine grandchildren; Peter Max, Emily, Amy (Andy), Eric, Brett (Nicole), Sarah (Joe), Martha (David), Katheryn and Anders. Also five great grandchildren, Luke, Grady, Ryan, Kennedy Mae, and Charlie Rose with one more expected in March.
She is survived by her brother Norman (Beverly) Overland, sister-in-law Jeanne Overland, nieces, nephews and other extended family members, each one special to her.
Connie was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brothers Harold and Donald.
Donations may be made to the Yakima Union Gospel Mission Medical fund, OMS (One Mission Society) or the charity of your choice.
Viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Friday, January 24, 2014, at Keith & Keith Funeral Home followed by burial at Terrace Heights Memorial Park at 12:30 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, January 24, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. also at the Funeral Home
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