With heavy hearts, we share the news of Verna Jean Gove's passing. Verna Jean departed from us on September 20th, 2023 at the age of 91 in Hood River, Oregon surrounded by loved ones.

Verna Jean was welcomed into this world born on March 11th, 1932  in Tacoma, Washington by her loving parents, Edward M Butenshon and Frieda S. Gerkensmeyer. Her childhood was a tapestry of joy, woven with the laughter of her siblings Lucille Evelyn, Lillian June, and Donald Edward. Regrettably, her beloved siblings preceded her in death.

In a home deeply rooted in the Lutheran faith, Verna Jean grew and flourished in multiple locations in Oregon and Washington. Her upbringing instilled in her the values of compassion, love, and faithfulness. She graduated from Pendleton High, Pendleton, Oregon in 1950. The friends from highschool were lifelong and she would gather for reunions frequently up to their 60th reunion. As she blossomed into adulthood, she not only forged lifelong friendships and created cherished memories but also remained steadfast in her faith. 

Verna Jean's unwavering dedication shone brightly in her career as a bank teller at U.S. Bank. Her love for both numbers and people fueled her work, and she approached her job with meticulous attention, painstakingly balancing accounts line by line, even in her personal checkbooks. Over the years, she graciously shared her financial expertise with her congregations as a heartfelt way of giving back to the Lord.

Over the years, Verna Jean journeyed through various places, each holding a unique chapter of her life story. Her journey led to marriage with Curtis Stanley Everett on August 16th, 1961 in Portland, Oregon.Their union held special significance, with her father, Lutheran Pastor E. M. Butenschon, officiating the ceremony. Together, Verna Jean and Curtis built a beautiful life throughout Oregon and Washington until his passing on June 22nd, 1988. They joyfully welcomed two amazing children: Suzanne M Clark and Brian K Everett by whom Verna Jean is survived by today. Verna Jean also became a wonderful part to Curtis' 2 children, James Everett, who preceded her in death, and Jerry Everett. 

On March 9th, 1991, Verna Jean and Robert “Bob” L Gove Married in Gresham, Oregon. Verna Jean was blessed to have a 2nd love in her life. Together they lived in Gresham, Oregon, Mosier, Oregon and Meridian, Idaho, until venturing back to The Dalles, Oregon in 2017 to spend their last days together. Bob passed on September 15th, 2021. Verna Jean was in the loving care of Hood River Care Center until her passing.

As they reflect on their upbringing, Sue and Brian fondly recall their mother's remarkable ability to make anyone feel like a part of the family. It was a gift she possessed, one that extended a warm embrace to all who crossed her path. In their home, there was an open-door policy, and it didn't matter who you were; you were always welcomed at their table.

Sunday dinners were a cherished tradition in their household, marked not only by delicious meals but also by the presence of friends from church and neighbors. These gatherings were moments of genuine fellowship, where bonds were formed over shared food and laughter. Sue and Brian both consider themselves incredibly fortunate to have been raised by a woman whose heart was as warm as her love for Jesus. To them, she was not just a mother but also a beacon of kindness and faith in their lives.

Verna Jean's "happy places" were found in the warmth of church potlucks and retreats, where she could be surrounded by her biological family and her family in Christ. Through the simple act of sharing a home-cooked meal and engaging in heartfelt conversations, she had a remarkable gift for winning over the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.

In the family circle, Verna Jean is survived by her daughter, Suzanne (Sue) Clark, Tri-Cities, Washington, and her sons Brian Everett and his wife Gail Everett, Tri-Cities, Washington and Jerry Everett and wife Barb Everett, Lewiston, Idaho.

Her grandchildren include:  Nichole A Clark, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Rachel L Clark, Boise, Idaho, Rebecca L Vincen-Brown (Clark) and her husband Michael Vincen-Brown, Kuna, Idaho, Alexandria K Baasch, Seattle, Washington. Breanna M Hughes (Baasch) and her husband Riley Hughes,Tri-Cities, Washington and Erik Everett, Lewiston, Idaho.

Verna Jean Gove is also survived by great-grandchildren: Antonio, Emma, Sawyer, Noah, and Winter, nephews, nieces, dear friends, and her cherished pet, a clay maltese statue, Lilly.

A celebration of Verna Jean's life will take place on Saturday, October 21st at 11:00 am at Bethany Lutheran Church, The Dalles, Oregon. Private graveside services preceding on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Bethany Lutheran Church in memory of Verna Jean Gove.

Three words that beautifully encapsulate Verna Jean Gove's life: Faith, Laughter, Community. These words vividly capture the unwavering faith she held, boundless laughter she brought, and the profound sense of community she lovingly fostered…forever etched in our hearts.