Verna M MacQuarrie

Washington State native, Verna Mae Miller MacQuarrie, passed away with her daughter, Janice, at her bedside, early Saturday morning, December 19, 2015, at the Cheney Care Center. Verna was born near Oakesdale,WA to John R .and Mary Ann (Anna) Hall Miller, November 11, 1911. After her mother’s death (Verna was 4 yrs. old) Verna lived with her grandmother, Mrs A.P. (Eliza Jane) Miller in Spokane, WA. She went to Holmes Grade School, graduated from North Central High School, Jan, 1930. Then she graduated from J.D. Kinman Business University, January, 1931. Instead of taking a Civil Service job in Washington DC, she married Donald G. MacQuarrie, Feb, 25, 1934, a farmer from Tekoa/Oakesdale area on the adivice of Mr. Kinman! Good choice! They lived and farmed with his brother, WJ, 4 mi. south of Oakresdale for 10 years. They were charter members of the Thornton Grange,1938, joined Eastern Star, Hope chapter, Oakesdale, 1943. Verna belonged to Thorncreek Womens Club, played bridge, raised chicken, and a cow or 2; selling eggs and cream to buy groceries. Their chairs were apple boxes! After a 1 year break from farming, they and their 2 children tried running a motel in North Hollywood,CA (now a movie company lot) for 1 LONG year!, They came back to their roots, buying a former CD Martin farm 13 miles south of Cheney, in 1946. They were actiive in Pythians of Rosalia (She bowled with a Grandmothers’ league earning a little bowling pin trophy!) After Don passed away Sept. 1966, Verna moved to Blackshaw apartment. She became Worthy Matron, Cheney Martha Chapter, Eastern Star, 1975-76, 75th anniversary of the group. She loved to travel; Hawaiii , Australia, East Coast from Gaspe Pennisula/New York to Florida - all with various friends /relatives. She joined PEOm Cheney, Feb. 1971. She loved cooking for harvest crews, her friends and familly gatherings, hosting many at the farm. She is survived by her loving family, her daughter, Janice (Ernie) Preedy, Spangle, son, Harvey (Carol) ,MacQuarrie, Cheney, grandchildren; Gail (Tom) Miller, HongKong, David(Natalie) Preedy of Denver, Rusty(Kara) MacQuarrie Cheney, Patrick MacQuarrie, Spokane. She was known as Granna, never Grandma and great Grana to Tyler Miller, Seattle, Ava Miller, Salt Lake, UT, Justin (Ashley) Preedy, Pueblo, Co, Chelsea (Josh) Norman, Logan Utah, Riley MacQuarrie and Wyatt MacQuarrie, Cheney and 2 great, great grandchildren Jack and Nolan Preedy of Pueblo, CO. and a step brother, Marshall Miller , Spokane WA. She opened the Cheney Assisted Living, 2000 then had to move to Cheney Care Center, 2008, where she was very happy. She did her word searches, Bingo on Saturday mornings, and looked forward to visitors always saying, “Have a good day “ as they left! The family wishers to thank her many care givers who took such good and patiient care of her. She was strong in spirit, interested in people, and could say some of the funniest things. Any memorials could go to Union Gospel Mission. A Memorial service will be held Sunday, Janurary 10, at the Cheney Funeral Home at 1:00 pm. Please join us afterward at a reception to be announced. Vault interment at the farm and Oakesdale Cemetary.

Verna M MacQuarrie

November 11, 1911 - December 19, 2015