B. Verlene Fisher

B. Verlene Workman Fisher passed away at 1:35 a.m. May 20, 2022. Her beautiful heart stopped beating, as her son kept vigil and the smell of the mango-tangerine candle-filled her room. The room's only light was that of the candle, and a small ray of light shining from beneath her bathroom doorway. The sounds of a violins' rendition of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' played softly in the background.

Her son held her tight as she let go, free of the ties that bound her to this Earth. She fought hard in her battles and won her freedom. She did it her way with grace and dignity. It is hard to put into words how much she will be missed. Her presence, sense of humor and the sound of her laughter is fading, but she will live on in our hearts and memories.

B. Verlene Workman Fisher was born June 6, 1926, in Republic City, Neb. In 1944, she graduated from Pasco High School in Pasco, Wash. In July 1946, she married Daniel A. Fisher at Richland Lutheran Church.

As a young woman she worked in a potato chip factory, a sandwich shop and an ice cream parlor. She also worked as a key punch operator and Head of Accounts Payable for the U.S. Navy and Atomic Energy Commission at the Hanford Washington Facility.

She spent the balance of her adult life in Oakesdale, Wash., as a hard-working farmer's wife, loving mother and grandmother. She moved to Spokane Valley in August of 2007.

Verlene was an avid reader. She would lose track of time, as she would read her stacks of mystery novels well into the wee hours of the morning.

She loved oil painting, flower gardening, and each year she spent many hours planning her beautiful gardens. Her love of antiques would take her to the Thrifty Grandmother's antique store in Colfax. Every time she passed through Colfax, it was always a must to have lunch at Eddie's Chinese Restaurant.

Verlene was a member of The Ladies of the Shrine, Jay-Cee Club and enjoyed watching the Washington State University Cougars play football. The past 15 years of her life were spent at Orchard Crest Retirement Community, where she enjoyed Bridge and Pinochle, jigsaw puzzles, movies, tea and cookies, and chatting with friends at the OC Cafe.

She spent much of her time there helping other residents. She was a friend to everyone, including the staff, to which she would hand out treats to her favorites. She was known for her quick wit, incredible sense of humor and blunt honesty. She made and lost many, many friends. She would always say, 'These golden years, really are not that golden.'

Verlene is survived by her three children, Loren L. (Val) Fisher of Farmington, Wash; Alan E. (Frankie) Fisher of Spokane Valley, Wash., and Dana K. (Greg) Fisher Melroy of Yakima, Wash; and brother, Ben S. Workman. She had eight grandchildren - Hannie Sue Fisher, Heather Marshall, Cora Mae Fisher, Bree Spencer, Tika Melroy, Zachary Taylor, Samuel Taylor and Joseph Taylor - and six great-grandchildren- Theryn and Ember Taylor, Gage and Leland Fischer, Josie June and Charlotte Taylor.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin F. and Ethel Mae Tibbles Workman; husband, Daniel A. Fisher in 1998; siblings, Joe G. Workman, Mayo L. Poquette and Iva-Lee Emhausen.

She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Her lifelong dream of 'flying' has finally come true. She is "in the arms of the Angels ... may you find, some comfort there"

Hennessy Valley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements; Memorial services are pending due to COVID-19 restrictions at the facility she resided.

To share memories of Verlene and leave condolences for the family, please visit http://www.hennesseyvalley.com.