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Kathleen Lois Veverka
05/12/1940 — 02/25/2008
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Yakima, Washington
Kathleen Lois Veverka
Kathleen Lois Rice Veverka passed away on February 25, 2008. After an extended battle with cancer, she left peacefully with her loving husband at her side in their Richland home.
Kathy was born in Yakima on May 12, 1940 to Lawrence “Larry” and Lola Frizzell Rice, their first born.
Her family moved to Richland when she was young. She had many happy memories of her childhood on Mahan Street. She graduated from Columbia High School in 1958 Go Bombers!.
After her marriage to Chuck Veverka, they bought a house on Boulder Street, which continues to be the family home. While raising their three daughters, hardly a day has gone by for the past 47 years in which the house has not been “busy” with children.
Kathy was co-founder of The Women’s Place, a safe haven for victims of domestic violence. She found it rewarding to assist families as they reconstructed their lives. When the organization became state sanctioned, she moved on to become an employee of J.A. Jones Co. She enjoyed working outside the home and made many close friends on the job. She became the staff association president for J.A. Jones, which gave her the opportunity to help organize company charity functions and employee activities. She always included her family in helping and enjoying these functions. Eventually she became a Purchasing Agent, a job which gave her great satisfaction.
She decided to retire in 1995, when her husband came home and told her Battelle had offered an enhanced retirement package. She couldn’t let him retire without her! This gave them the opportunity to travel/cruise as a couple and with friends to Las Vegas, Alaska, Hawaii, Tennessee, and the Mediterranean. She loved Hawaii, and they returned many times. She also enjoyed family vacations, usually to the Oregon Coast.
Above all, Kathy enjoyed time spent with family and friends. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Each holiday or birthday gave us a chance to gather together to play games and have a feast.
Kathy is survived by husband, Charles “Chuck” Veverka, daughter Christine “Christy” Glenn Wegner of Pasco and their children, Justin and Kalie; daughter Kimberly Jed Berna of Kennewick and their children, Kathleen “Kasey” and Courtney; daughter Angela Tom Kenner of Medford, OR and their children, Robert, Madelyne, and Elijah. She is also survived by her brother Lawrence “Mike” Donna Rice of Chesterfield, MO and family; her sister Patricia Mike Lamb of Vallejo,CA and family; sister-in-law Irene Schjelderup of Arvada,CO and her family, and the family of her late brother-in-law, Lyle Dyken of Richland. In addition, she is survived by many friends that were like family to her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Lawrence and Lola Rice, father and mother-in-law; Charles and Twila Veverka.
Kathy’s family would like to thank each of you for being part of her life. She loved you. A special thanks to the staff at the Cancer Center – you made her feel special each time she walked through your door. Thank you also to Hospice for helping us to keep and care for her at home.
Grandma – you were a great grandma. Thanks for spoiling us! We’ll miss you. Mom - thank you for teaching us to stand up for ourselves, to care about others, and to find reasons to celebrate life. You will be in our hearts as we look forward to a family reunion. Kathy – the house is empty, but I see your shadow. We have our memories. Rest in peace.
At her request, no funeral will be held. Please join us in celebration of her life on Sunday, March 2 at 1:00 p.m. This celebration will be held at the Elks Lodge in Kennewick, 15 South Colorado Street 735-6035. Dress casual; bring a smile and your memories. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the following in Kathy’s memory: Tri-City Elks Lodge, Hospice or the Tri-City Cancer Center.
My heartfelt sympathies go out to Chuck and Kathy’s family. Kathy will be so missed by her many friends. I am so sorry. Bomber blessing to you Kathy.
Kim,
I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was such a wonderful lady. She always had a smile and a kind word. Prayers to you and your family!
Kim,
I don’t know if you recognize my name; but, in the 1970’s, I was your Law Enforcement Class instructor at Carmichael Junior High School Officer Bush/Richland PD.
I was sorry to read that your Mother passed away! Losing a Mother any family member is difficult! The heartache and emptiness you experience is tremendous! My Mom passed away on Feb. 4, 2008! I really miss her, as I’m sure you miss your Mother. To offset these feelings, remember the good times you had with her while she was still here!
Take care!
Lee Bush
Aunt Kathy – you are the kindest person I have ever known. You had a way of making every person feel special. Your concern for people and love were always genuine and from the heart. You will always be my hero. Our prayers go to Uncle Chuck, Christy, Kim, Angie and their families.
I was so sorry to hear of Kathys passing.
I have many memories of the Kathy and the VeVerka family when I babysat for Christie and Kim many years ago and the trips to Copalis Beach to Rods Resort.
If not for your family we would not have gotten the little poodle Heidi from Chucks mother.
It was good to see Kathy a year or so ago.
Chuck, Christie, Kim and Angie my sincere sympathy and I will always remember your mother with fondest of memories. Sharon Chambers Scioli
Fortunately for all of us who grew up knowing the Veverka family we were all blessed with having a second Mom. One you could talk to and know that you would not get in trouble. One who would save you when you ran out of gas. One who always told you what was on her mind, but never judged you in the process. I am forever greatful for being lucky enough to have known Kathy.
To Chuck, Christy, Kim, Angie and their families, thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful person with us. God bless you all.
Dear Aunt Kathy:
As her favorite niece want to say how nice Aunt Kathy was to me. I remember memories as a kid staying overnite and how much fun we had. Even though I always ended up going home due to being a chicken little kid. Alot of good memories I’ll always have. I’m sure she has already met dad in heaven and talking about old times. Sincere sympathies and blessings to Uncle Chuck, Christy, Kim and Angie and their families.
Love
Sue Eubanks
Dear Chuck and family – I have very pleasant memories of our familes sharing together at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and am sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. You were both welcome friends when you joined the church so many years ago. May her memories always be with you.
Kathy has lived a wonderful life that has touched and enriched the hearts of others. May the Lord bless and comfort you as you surely will pass through the gates of heaven.
Chuck and Family:
I was saddened to here of Kathy’s passing. As a collegue of mine at Hanford Kathy established herself as a true profesional in her field. As with most people that worked with Kathy we became very good friends. Others would agree we could always count on Kathy for the scoop! I will miss her witt and infectious smile very much. Prayers to you and your family.
Aunt Kathy
I know my wife has already sighned your guest book for both of us but I just wanted add a little note that your were more than Aunt to me by marriage then my my own family realatives. For the time I known you and your family welcomed me as your own. You are very close freind in my heart and I will always love you for that.Hopes and prayers for you and your family. Mike
Chuck and Family: I was saddened to read of Kathy’s passing and extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I worked with Kathy years ago at Kaiser Eng. and she was always so happy and giving. As with many, I felt like an adopted child to her. She was a wonderful woman I whom have never forgotten. She touched my life and I am a better man for it. God bless.
To Chuck, Christy, Kim, Angie and their families
I am so sorry to hear about your loss of a wonderful wife and mother.
We lived right beside you many years ago and Kathy babysat Melissa and Jackie who are now 37 & 39. Oh how the time passes much too quickly.
My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to each one of you.
Hugs and Many prayers,
Jeanie
Kathy,you’ve been my best friend for just pretty much the last 40 years!!Our kids grew up together,played together,and got into trouble . As did we! We just had some very great times. I am a better and stronger person for knowing you. My dearest friend,”sister”,I will never forget you. Lonna
The sentiments posted to Kathy’s Guestbook are a true testament of her humanity and the legacy she leaves behind. Our sentiments emulate what others have already said. The love and compassion she displayed for others had a way of making everyone feel like they were part of her extended family. Kathy will forever remain in our hearts and minds. She was an exceptional individual, and we too had the fortunate pleasure of knowing and loving her. Kathy may you rest in peace. We love you! Dayle and Darla
Robert & family,
I am deeply sorry to hear about your Grandma Kathy. I know that she was a huge part of your life.
We all love you Robert!
Love, Mom Kris
Robert-I am sorry that your Grandma died. I love you!
Love, Ashton
Robert,
My little buddy. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I know your Grandma Kathy was a huge part in your life. You have turned out to be a caring, giving and wonderful young man. A person’s character is partly comprised of experiences encountered with friends and family. A portion of who YOU are, is due to spending time with your Grandma Kathy; and for this I am greatful.
Hang in there.
Love,
Dad xoxoxoxoxo
Aunt Kathy,
You would have loved your good-bye party. I know you were there. You touched so many people’s lives. You were the most giving and loving person I have ever known. I will miss our talks. I know that you are in a happier place without any suffering. You will always be part of me. Thank you for all your support throughout the years – there were good times and bad times but you always were a support. I love you.
Sherry Hardee
its been a few years since my grandma past away. but i found myslef on here because of a newer family passing. my grandma was my best friend and a second mom. i will never forget all the fun times and scary driving moments i had with her, she is still and always will be in my heart. i love you grandma.I will love you forever. someday i will see you again.
love
Robert Loper
Chuck, You may remember we gaduated together.. class of 54. I just scanned the alumni website and saw where you lost your wife Kathy. Please know that my deepest sympathy is with you and your family at this time.
Bill Murray 54
Kathy and the entire Veverka family were like a second family to me, still are in my heart, even though sadly I have not kept in touch. Thank you for all of the childhood memories and extending your home and hearts to me. Thank you, Kathy, for allowing me to experience your family and your home.
Dawna Edwards
Kathy was always thinking of the other person. I was her groomer for her little poodles for many years and when my husband passed away she was there with her kind words and comfort and several years later when I found the love of my life she was there in a way that touched me. She and a neighbor gave me a wedding dinner.This is only but a few things in our years of knowing each other thatshe did to brighten my days. I hope she knows what it meant to me. I am sure all of us who had the pleasure of her giving spirit will not forget her. See ya soon Kathy.
I am a neice. Chuck and my Dad were brothers. We have alot of memories growing up with everyone. Lots of good times. Prayers with all of you guys. Aunt Kathy is in a happy place. I’m sure her and my Dad will be watching the Mariners together. Maybe they can get some good coaching going from heaven!
I know we don’t see much of each other; but my thoughts are always there.
Love ya,
Jeanette
Guestbook for
Kathleen Lois Veverka