Veryl Waldron

Veryl Jean Simpson Waldron passed away peacefully at her home on July 14, 2018 with family by her side. A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018 ~ 11:00 a.m. at the Pine Valley Presbyterian Church in Halfway, Oregon. Interment will be at Pine Haven Cemetery.  Friends are invited to join the family for a potluck reception to be held immediately following the service at the Lions Hall. Meat, potatoes and rolls will be provided, but a pot luck side dish is appreciated.  At 8 p.m. a Celebration of Bill & Veryl's Life continues with live music at Wild Bill's Restaurant and Lounge in Halfway, Oregon.

Veryl was born September 7, 1931, in Toppenish, Washington, to Daniel and Ella Simpson. The family followed work during the Depression era, mostly in eastern Washington. They managed as best they could, living in project camps, tents, and cabins.  All was well until one night near the munitions storage area at Hermiston, when Veryl’s mother found a rattlesnake in her bed. That was it! The family relocated to Spokane.

In 1947, she married Robert Neal of Spokane. Veryl worked as a cook at The Pine Shed and attended Kinman Business College. After their divorce, Veryl’s brother, Dan Simpson(Meriann’s father), told her there was a need for cooks in Halfway, Oregon, while the Hells Canyon Dam was being built. She and her two children, Ron and Carol, moved there and loved the country life. She met Billy Waldron, and they married July 1, 1960.

A few years after Bill and Veryl were married, they welcomed their four nieces and nephews, ranging in ages from one to six, to the family.  When Bill went to work for Morrison-Knudsen construction company the  family followed his work to Los Banos, California; Greenfield, Massachusetts; Idaho Falls, Idaho; and, Las Vegas, Nevada. Wherever they lived, Veryl worked as a bookkeeper for a newspaper office or a car dealership.

In 1984, Veryl returned to Halfway, while Bill continued working for Morrison-Knudsen around the country. She purchased Wild Bill’s restaurant and became known for booking great bands and hosting Lip Sync contests. She sold the restaurant to her niece, Meriann, in 1994, at which time she went to work for the Pine Eagle Clinic as the bookkeeper, retiring in 2007. Veryl owned VW Bookkeeping and made her final journal entry two days before she passed away.

Community service was very important to Veryl. In 1980, she started serving on the Board of Directors for the Clinic, even though she lived elsewhere. She was a member of Pine Valley Presbyterian Church, serving as Deacon, Elder, Kids Choir Director, and the Clerk of Session (23years). With her lovely singing voice, she sang for many weddings,
graduations, and memorial services.

Veryl was known for always lending a helping hand. Not one to say no, she fed many people near and far on special occasions and holidays. Veryl had a huge heart and always wanted to lend a hand to anyone that was in need.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Ella Simpson; brothers, Daniel (Bud) and Jerry.

 Veryl is survived by her husband, Billy; son, Ron Neal (Nancy), Spokane; daughter, Carol Olson (Tom), Mt. Vernon,Washington; sister, Nadine Good (Joe), Spokane; nieces, Jenny (Roger) Gulick and Christine Bennett, Halfway; and, nephews Rick (Audrene) Simpson and Brian Simpson, Halfway. There are too many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews to mention individually, but each and every one was very important to Veryl.

When asked about her favorite things she said having the kids around her, and all their special pets! Music was central to her life. She loved to listen to music and sing. Many family members share in her talent and appreciation of music. Her favorite hymn was “On Wings of a Dove”, and she performed it whenever asked.

 Veryl was the pillar of her family and also of the community. She will be missed by all who knew her.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Veryl the family suggests the Pine Eagle Education Foundation through Tami's Pine Valley
Funeral Home, PO Box 543 Halfway, OR 97834. Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com.