Velda “Jane” Hinkley passed away November 30, 2024 at the age of 84 with her family by her side. Jane was born April 29, 1940, in Denver, Colorado to William and Cleota Victor, the oldest of 4 children. She graduated from Columbia High School in 1958.

Her family moved to Richland in 1944 where her dad worked on the Hanford Site. She graduated from Columbia High School in 1958.  She met Nelson “Curly” Hinkley while she was working at the lunch counter at Newberry’s in the Uptown and the two of them were married in April 1959. Jane worked at Yakima Federal Savings and Loan and pretty much knew everyone in the Tri-Cities! She took great pride in her attire and professionalism in the workplace. She was so beautiful in her pencil skirt, sweaters, jewelry, and her heels that often matched her purse. After kids came along, she became a full-time homemaker. She loved being a mom and taking care of her family; nothing was more important to her. She kept a clean, organized, and tidy house that was welcoming to all. After her kids graduated from high school she went back to work. She had a few part-time jobs at Brian’s Butcher Block and Atlas Van Lines before working in the main office at the Bon Marche. She loved working at the Bon, but even more enjoyed the employee discount. She had a wardrobe to die for! She later went to work as a medical biller for a doctor’s office, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She liked balancing the accounts and getting to know the patients. She had a heart of gold and when people weren’t able to pay their bill, she would work with them to make small payments over time to avoid sending anyone to collections. Patients would bring in homemade goodies to thank her and the doctor for being so kind and understanding.

Jane and Curly have two children, Becky and Chris who they revolved their lives around. Jane was always involved in their sports and school activities and attended or volunteered at every school event, game, and ballet recital. She was the hub of our family and nothing got past her keen eyes and ears. She was involved with the school PTA and ran the Little League concession stand. Her home was open to all with a constant stream of family, friends, kids, neighbors and the occasional Avon Lady dropping by to catch up on current events. Because the carport door was always left open and the proverbial welcome sign lit 24/7, it was truly the place to be and hang out.

Jane enjoyed cooking and hosting whoever stopped by. Nobody left her home hungry or in need of something. She would prepare a dessert every Monday for years so we could all watch Dancing with The Stars together. She enjoyed watching Judge Judy and we all chuckled at how similar her personality was to Judge J. We rarely missed our weekly Family Feud episode, always rooting for the family to win the “Big Money.”  Speaking of “Big Money,” Jane loved Bingo and going to Wild Horse Casino, winning the $5,000 Bingo jackpot twice! As a seasoned Bingo veteran, she was convincing to everyone but Curly that her winnings were greater than her losses. 😊

Jane was truly an original and her personality shined most brightly. She was feisty, opinionated, and a firecracker. No matter your size, she wasn’t afraid to put a finger in your chest if you needed it. She conducted herself with honesty and integrity. Her word was her bond and you could always count on Jane in a time of need. She had an infectious laugh and attitude, even when her health turned for the worse. She was one of the hardest working people most of us will ever have the privilege of knowing.  She loved deeply, cared deeply, and worried constantly. She would end conversations with her family with “I Love You.” Then Bye, Bye, Love you, Bye, Ok, Bye, Love you, until we finally had to politely hang up!

Jane is survived by her daughter Becky (Cameron) Andersen and son, Chris Hinkley, 3 grandchildren, Kelsea (Ryan) Wolski, Amanda Andersen and Tyler Andersen, two great grand-daughters, Emersyn and Harlowe Wolski, her brother, Robert Victor of Moreno Valley, CA, and nieces and nephews. Jane was preceded in death by her parents, brother William (Billy) Victor, sister V. Jean Armstrong, and husband, Curly.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 15 at 2:00 PM at Einan’s at Sunset Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice in her honor.