Verna VAN VLECK

June 17, 2016 (Age 95) Born on the family farm in Elk Grove, CA. Passed away peacefully at Sunrise Senior Assisted Living Rocklin, CA. Daughter of John Davies Lewis and Rilla Belle Baker Lewis, who's families were pioneer farmers of Elk Grove. Married 63 years to Gordon K. Van Vleck who predeceased Verna in 2005 at the age of 85. Pre-deceased by a twin brother at birth and brother Edmund Lewis (Betty) of Elk Grove aged 90 in 2015. Longevity runs in Verna's family. Her maternal grandparents were married 72 years, her mother Rilla Lewis just 10 days away from 106, Rilla's sister Cora Stelter just 15 days away 106, and Rilla's sister Elva Lewis was 99. Verna was just 19 days away from 96 years. Survived by four children: son, Lewis Van Vleck (Linda); daughters, Mary Ellen McCafferty (Gene); Susan Firchau (John); Barbara DeLaney (Robert Clouse); Eight grandchildren: Regina Ryan (Mark), Amanda Wilkinson (Adam), Bryan Riolo (Tina), Lloyd Firchau, Coree Keenan (Tim), Brooke Firchau, Todd Firchau, Andrew DeLaney (Noelle); Eight great-grand-children: Hannah & Mason Wilkinson, Will & Anna Ryan, Wyatt, Garrett, & Juliette Keenan, Sara Riolo. Age of 17, graduated Elk Grove High School Class of 1937. Age of 19, as a Music Major, graduated Sacramento City College class of 1939. Age of 21, married high school and college classmate Gordon K. Van Vleck at her familys' home garden in Elk Grove on August 31, 1941. Gordon, a 3rd generation cattle rancher, with Verna by his side, ran a successful cattle operation and were both very politically active with improving the cattle industry. The ranch was something they both loved very dearly. From 1941 to 1968 she resided at the family ranch in Sacramento County, Michigan Bar/Slough-house, CA. From 1968 to 2011 at the family ranch in Amador County, Plymouth, CA. From 2011 to 2016 at Sunrise Senior Assisted Living in Rocklin, CA. Private services held at East Lawn Memorial Park, Sacramento, CA. Contributions can be made to Amador/El Dorado/ Sacramento (AES) Cattle Women Scholarship Fund, c/o Ginger Appleton, Scholarship Committee Chairman, 27799 Dry Creek Road, Galt, CA 95632. Arrangements handled by Craig Herberger @ Woodland Funeral Chapel. Special thanks to Sunrise Senior Assisted Living Rocklin and Hospice Sutter Care at Home Health Roseville.