Veronica Mary Reeves

That is the memory that profoundly defines Veronica Junker Reeves, who died Saturday, April 18 at age 93 in Meridian, Idaho. Vonie, to nearly all who knew her, was born in 1921 in Regina, Saskatchewan to George and Mary Junker. She was the youngest of five children. The family moved to Yakima in 1926, where she remained until moving to Meridian, Idaho in 2013 to be close to her daughter Debbie.

Vonie attended Catholic elementary school and graduated from Yakima (Davis) High School. She married Ken Reeves of Yakima in 1942. She raised two daughters, Deborah and Donna.

Vonie worked as a clerk in the Yakima County Auditor’s office for twenty years until she joined her husband in retirement.

In between, Vonie practiced what she preached - fun. She taught us the importance of fun and play, no matter how old you are. She loved to play marble and card games. She was a ruthless competitor. Youth did not save you from her desire to win, but she never forgot that it was a game. She had a wonderful laugh that followed her through life. She would throw back her head with a whoop and hold her stomach as she giggled. And if there was a prank involved she was usually in the middle of it.

The Mariners, even when they were undeserving, never had a more dedicated fan. Every game was a must-see even if they were in the cellar. She dutifully watched every television broadcast and wrote down the scores. Ichiro was her favorite. She was happiest when her family took her to the ballpark.

Bowling was her passion. And as it was with cards and the other things, she was a competitor. Her average was 180. She took great pleasure in thumping her son-in-law on a regular basis. Vonie bowled for 50 years, making great and lasting friends along the way.

Her husband Ken preceded her in death in 2000 after 58 years of marriage. Vonie leaves behind two daughters, Debbie Mason and her husband Ross Mason of Meridian, Idaho; Donna Reeves and her husband Niall Carroll of Astoria, Oregon; and three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

She leaves us with the memory of her quick smile and easy laugh.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, April 23, 2015 at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home with a vigil starting at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 24, 2015 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. To share a memory of Veronica visit www.lepfuneralhome.com.