Verna Lee Peck

Verna Lee Peck, 91, of Walla Walla, passed away peacefully in her home on June 14, 2022.  Verna was born in Nampa, ID, to Vernon and Linda Hewitt on December 3, 1930.

Verna enjoyed growing up in the Nampa Valley and spending her summers with family and friends at the family homestead in the Owyhee Mountains, affectionally known as Moss Flats.  She graduated from Nampa High School in 1949 and received her nursing training from the Saint Paul Sisters of Mercy at Mercy Hospital in Nampa.

Verna married Dale Peck on July 3, 1954, before joining the family’s 4th of July Celebration at Moss Flats, where they surprised everyone with the news of their marriage.  Early on in their marriage, Dale and Verna moved throughout the Rocky Mountain region, raising their three children: Camille, Rebecca, and Michael.  After moving to Omaha, NE, Verna received her board certification in nursing and began her career as a Registered Nurse.  Verna continued her career when the family moved to Grand Junction, CO, and ultimately went to work at the VA Hospital when the family moved to Walla Walla in 1974.

In addition to being an RN, Verna obtained her certification as a Chemical Dependency Counselor.  She worked in the substance use disorder and psychiatric unit at the VA until her retirement in 1995.  During her service at the VA, Verna helped countless veterans find their path to recovery.  Throughout her career, Verna was passionate about nursing and viewed the opportunity to help others as a privilege.  In retirement, Verna volunteered for Meals on Wheels delivering meals as well as with the Winter Children’s Clothing Drive at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church.

Verna was a loving wife, mother, sister, and friend; however, being a grandmother may have suited her best.  Affectionally known as Gramier, she loved taking walks, especially in the rain, with her grandchildren and spending afternoons in the kitchen making chicken noodle soup.  Verna was a woman of strong faith, an avid reader, and someone who loved a good conversation.  She will be remembered for her sharp wit and great sense of humor.

Verna was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Dale; her parents, stepfather, Paul Johnson; and grandnephew, Larry Tesch Jr.

She is survived by her children and their spouses, Camille and Roger Tilden Nampa ID, Rebecca and Scott Munson Yakima WA, Michael and Vicki Peck Walla Walla WA; granddaughters, Cortney Munson New York NY and Christine Munson Boston MA; honorary grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Shayla Kern (Allyiah, Camrynn, and Evelynn), Walla Walla WA, Isaac and Kelsey Kern (Lorelai, Naomi, and Desmond), Milton-Freewater, OR; her sister, Mary Jo Madariaga-Bell; nieces, Cheryl Lynn Martin, (Jason, Gregory, and Theodore), Julie and Wes Boren (Dustin and Jay), Crystal and Don Nelson (Ayricah, Kristina, Justin, and Cody), Paula Jo and Larry Tesch, (Ryan and Michael) Nampa ID, Linda Jo and Duke Goodrich (Zach, Shanda, and Brianna) Caldwell ID; and nephews, Dennis and Peggy Hale Nampa, ID, (Sandy, Randy, Kenneth, and Kristen) and Roger and Jean Hale Palmer, AK.

The family wishes to express our appreciation for both Kim Salina and Helen Bland for the care and compassion they provided for Verna.  Their dedication in caring for Verna allowed her to remain in her home, surrounded by family.  Finally, the family wants to express again how much the friendship and support of neighbors Ron and Carol Alexander meant to all of us.  You were always there for Dale and Verna.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, Walla Walla, on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Vincent DePaul of Walla Walla through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362.  Guests may sign the guest book at www.herringgroseclose.com.