Verna M. Chase

VERNA M. CHASE AUG 17, 1913 - MAY 13, 2010 Verna was born August 17, 1913 at Yam Station (Winton), Merced County, CA to the late Albert Edward Smith and Martha Ann Logue Smith. She passed away May 13, 2010 at her home in Merced. Her families were pioneers in Merced County, with the Smiths settling in Merced in 1880 and the Logues in Atwater in 1906. Verna attended elementary school in Winton and graduated from Merced High School in 1932. She met her future husband, Austin James (Jim) Chase at a dance in rural Livingston. They married July 26, 1932 in Reno, NV. Verna and Jim lived in Livingston, where Jim built several houses; family eventually settling on Vinewood Avenue. When Verna's father became ill, they moved into her childhood home in Winton to help her mother care for him. They remained in Winton until moving to Merced 29 years ago. Verna and Jim celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary in 2003; Jim passed away in December of that year. Also preceding Verna in death was her beloved son-in-law, Chuck Jordan of Lincoln, CA. In her life, Verna worked at the Post Office in Livingston, Livingston Elementary School, Heller's Rexall Drug in Winton, and she retired from the Winton Times. Verna enjoyed crocheting afghans, traveling, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends. She was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles and playing Kings in the Corner with Jordynn. Verna was an active member, co-founder and past president of Winton Old Timers Association, past president of Merced County Old Timers and a charter member and vice regent of Merced River Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also a past regent of Mariposa Chapter DAR She was a member of Native Daughters of the Golden West. Verna's memory will live on through her family and friends. She is survived by daughters Lee Ann Jordan of Lincoln and Virginia Chase of Merced; grandchildren Cheryl Kolano (Larry) of Concord, CA, Julie Rodewald (Rick) of Los Osos, CA, Bradley Bennight (Tammy) of Eureka, CA, Donald Fader of Mt. View, WY, and Cathryn Barbeau (Frank) of Pacheco, CA; great grandchildren Jamie Sanderson, Annie Fader Jones, Mindy Ribiero (Mike), Andrew Fader, Nicholas Fader (Nicole) Dana Kovaciny (Jeremy), Tracee Woffinden (Josh), Chuck Richards (Naomi), Frank Barbeau (Gina), Ginny Gadberry (Steven), and Jimi Bennight; great great grandchildren Yvonne White, Haley Logan, Chrisopher Jaramillo, Elyssa and Lois Jones, Brenna, Michael, and Terrea Ribiero, Bleu and Kyrie Fader, Jordynn Kovaciny, Kylee Woffinden, Kreed Kment, Frank Barbeau IV, Garrett Gadberry, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins, and many, many cherished friends. Verna's family is so grateful for the loving care and companionship of her friend and caregiver, Bonnie White. Services will be held Saturday, May 22nd, 2010, 2:00 PM at Ivers & Alcorn, 901 W. Main Street, Merced. Burial will follow at Winton Cemetery. The ashes of Jim Chase will be interred with Verna at their requests. For 71 years together; Together now and always.'' In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Merced SPCA, Merced Rescue Mission or Merced River Chapter DAR. The family will host a 'going away party', as requested by Verna, at her home following the services. All funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ivers & Alcorn Funeral Home, 901 West Main Street, Merced, California or at 1-209-722-6201. www.modbee.com/obituaries