Eleanor Verlee Hanson

Eleanor Verlee Hanson Eleanor passed away on May 9, 2011 after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. She was known as Verlee to family, friends and coworkers. Verlee is survived by her husband, Rodney Hanson of Tucson, AZ; four children, Heidi Kryger (Galen) Tucson, AZ, Sid (Carrie) Overland Park, KS, Stuart (Caroline) Tucson, AZ and Darren (Nadine) Tucson, AZ and 11 grandchildren, Christopher, Todd, Kyle, Heather, Spencer, Marissa, Jason, Katie, Morgan, Lauren and Catherine and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harlan and Eleanor Perrill and her brother, Bob. Verlee was born on July 17, 1936. She was raised on her parents' farm just outside of Bridgeport, Kansas on the banks of the Smoky Hill River. She graduated from Assaria High School in 1954, and from Kansas Wesleyan University in 1957 with a diploma degree in Nursing. She had many fond memories and told many stories about her childhood in central Kansas. Verlee married her childhood sweetheart, Rodney Hanson in September, 1957. Just after they were married, Rod and Verlee lived in Hays, Kansas while Rod finished college. During their stay in Hays, Verlee worked as an RN at the local hospital. After Rod's graduation they relocated to Broomfield, Colorado. A few short years later, the family relocated to Tucson, Arizona, where they have lived since 1967. She was a full time mother from the time they left Kansas until 1971, at which time she began work as a nurse at Devon Gables Health Care Center in Tucson. She worked there from 1971 until 1989, and was the Director of Nursing at the time of her well deserved retirement. She had many cherished friends and memories from her 18 years at Devon Gables. Verlee was happiest when she was surrounded by her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved planning and hosting family gatherings for immediate and extended family, the bigger the better, and there were many of them. Verlee thoroughly enjoyed cooking, especially for those big family gatherings. She was also very happy when she was working outdoors. She loved gardening in her yard and loved observing nature. She always had beautiful arrangements of trees, plants and flowers for all to enjoy. Verlee had a wonderful and caring heart. She always thought of others before herself. Her love of life, her motherly guidance and counseling, her loving, caring and unselfish nature, her humor and her company will be greatly missed, especially by her family. As per Verlee's request, there will be a private family memorial service at a later date. To honor Verlee's legacy and in her memory, the family requests that in-lieu of flowers, donations be made to Peppi's House, Tucson Medical Center Hospice, 5301 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, AZ 85712. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.