Jacqueline Marie Verhey, 85, of Moxee, peacefully passed away at the Cottage in the Meadow on May 13, 2017. Jackie was born on October 19, 1931 in Yakima, Washington to Olaven and Lawrence Harris. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in 1949. She married Robert J. Verhey on May 31, 1952.
Jackie dedicated her life to being a partner with her husband and other family members in the operation of Harris Farms. Jackie and Bob started farming in Ahtanum in 1954. Over the years, they worked together as partners where she helped to manage a large diversified farm that ranged from egg production, to raising poultry, and sheep. They also developed orchards for apple and cherry production. Harris Farms implemented one of the first, large automated egg gathering operations with 300,000 hens supplying eggs. Jackie and her husband were a successful team who supported each other through all their endeavors.
Jackie had several hobbies that brought her enjoyment. She was a skilled seamstress that ranged from sewing clothes to quilting. She also served as a mentor and judge at the fair for future, aspiring seamstresses. She enjoyed gardening and took enormous pride in creating a beautiful yard. She was an active member of the Ladies of St. Anne at Holy Rosary and truly loved being a parishioner of Holy Rosary.
She was a loving mother to her five children. She is survived by a loving family that includes her daughter-in-law Mary Verhey, of Yakima; her daughters Susan Kropelnicki, of Sammamish, WA; Julie (Dan) McNeal, of Spokane, WA.; Carolyn (Brian) Leeper, of Stayton, Oregon.; and her son David (Janay) Verhey of Moxee, WA. She is survived by her grandchildren Ben, Rachel, Anya (Michael), Megan (Spencer), Natalie, Brittany (David), Kaitlin, Brittany, Jocelyn and a great-grandson Mason. She is also survived by her brothers Robert Harris and Donald Harris of Yakima, WA; and sister Sandy Forras, of Camino Island, WA. Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert J. Verhey, her son Michael L. Verhey, her grandchildren Nicole M. Leeper and Brendan M. Leeper, and her sisters Patty Verhey and Ann Melton.
Visitation will be Monday, May 22, 2017 at Brookside Funeral Home from 12:00 – 5:00. Recitation of the Rosary will be at Holy Rosary Parish in Moxee, at 6:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 11:00 am at Holy Rosary Parish with a reception following at Holy Rosary Hall. Interment Holy Rosary Cemetery.
The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the doctors and staff at Regional Hospital and Cottage in the Meadow. Your care and compassion for our mother and family members was deeply appreciated.
Memorials can be made to Holy Rosary Cemetery Foundation or Cottage in the Meadow c/o Brookside Funeral Home, PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA. 98936. To share a memory with the family, please visit www.brooksidefhc.com
Arrangements by the Brookside Funeral Home and Crematory.
