Verna Lousie Aplin

Verna Lousie Aplin passed away on Monday, Aug. 4, at the Southside Hospice House of Spokane with her family by her side.

Verna was born in Redmond, Ore. March 3, 1924. She moved with her parents, Dorothy and Martin Paulson to southern Oregon where they settled in Medford. Verna graduated as valedictorian of the Medford High School class of 1942.

After high school, she attended Southern Oregon College of Education in Ashland where she completed her freshman and part of her sophomore year. Her life changed when she met a young army corporal stationed in Medford. On Feb. 29, 1944, she married Glenn Aplin.

The newly married couple moved to Eugene, Ore. where both attended the University of Oregon and graduated. Mom earned both her bachelor's degree and master's degree from the U of O. Soon after, Verna began her career in teaching and later as a high school guidance counselor.

Working in this realm of education became her passion. She worked at Parkrose High School in Portland, Ore., South Eugene High School in Eugene, Ore. and finally Medical Lake High School in Medical Lake.

Verna was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, worked as a docent at the Campbell House in Spokane, volunteered for the Spokane Valley Hospital Auxiliary, belonged to book clubs and was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection.

Verna enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She had a tremendous love for reading books, attending theatre productions, listening to music, working crossword puzzles and was an avid football fan. Traveling to Hawaii and the Oregon Coast with her friends and family were high on her priority.

Verna was preceded in death in 1997 by her husband, Glenn. She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Aplin White; her son-in-law, George Harvard White Jr.; and granddaughter, Sarah.

Her memorial service will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 15319 E. 8th. Ave., Spokane Valley on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014 at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, it is asked that donations in Verna's name be made to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation or Hospice of Spokane, 367 E. 7th Ave, Spokane, WA 99202.

Hennessey Funeral Home in Spokane is in charge of arrangements and you are encouraged to visit Verna's guestbook and view or share messages.