Velda Zae Sheer

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Velda Zae Sheer, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025. She was born on April 11, 1932, in Benge, Washington, to Kirk and Nora McCall. At the age of 2, Velda's family moved to Winona, Washington, and later, when she was 15, they settled in Colfax, where she lived for the remainder of her life.

The youngest of nine siblings, Velda experienced both joy and hardship growing up. One brother, died at birth, and two others, Glen and Cordalis, tragically passed away in childhood from double pneumonia. The six surviving brothers remained a strong presence in her life.

Velda learned the value of hard work from an early age, helping on the family farm where she developed a lifelong love of gardening. She tended to the farm animals and helped with household chores. After her father passed away when she was 12, Velda continued to live with her mother, Nora, in Winona. She moved to Colfax her freshman year of high school and lived in a local boarding house. The following year her mother moved to Colfax where they lived with her brother Bob for the remainder of her high school career. Velda was active in school theater and served as a member of the Future Homemakers of America, even attending a convention in Santa Barbara, California. She was named Prom Queen at Colfax High School in 1949 and was known for her charm and vivacious personality.

After high school, Velda worked for 14 years at Old National Bank, where she started as a bookkeeper and eventually became the lead teller. In 1951, she married Bob Haxton, and together they had three children: Philip, Julie, and Vickie. Although they later divorced, Velda remained a devoted mother. She served as president of the PTA at The Academy Private Catholic School in Colfax for five years while raising her children.

One of Velda's greatest passions was her beautiful gardens, where she cultivated stunning flowers that brought her immense joy. She was also dedicated to fitness and enjoyed a variety of activities, including exercise classes, long walks, volleyball, bowling, and dancing. She loved playing bridge with friends up until her final days. Velda also had a deep love for cooking and baking, always ready to host family and friends with her warmth and generosity. She took a keen interest in finance and investing, serving as president of the Women's Investment Club in Colfax.

In 1970, Velda began working part-time at Brown and Holter Chevrolet-Oldsmobile Dealership, where she met the love of her life, Joe Sheer. In 1974, they were married and built a wonderful life together over the next 34 years. Together, they traveled extensively through the United States and Europe and spent many summers at their vacation home in Priest Lake, Idaho, enjoying boating, cocktail hour with a "Joe's special," and wild huckleberry picking with family and friends.

After Joe's passing, Velda moved to Hill-Ray Plaza in Colfax where she resided for the final years of her life. She established many close friendships and became a pillar of support for all those who knew her. She immediately participated on the decorating committee, creating beautiful floral arrangements which added a touch of class and elegance for all to enjoy. Her brownies were renowned throughout the community!

Velda was known for her bright spirit, positivity, and remarkable work ethic. She was rarely seen without a task at hand and brought light into every room she entered.

She is survived by her daughter, Julie Lennon (Tom) of Spokane; son-in-law Cory Thompson of Sandpoint, Idaho; daughter-in-law Terre Haxton of Vancouver, Wash .; stepdaughters Joeen Sheer of Sparks, Nev., and Darrene Sheer of Kauai, Hawaii; stepson Tom Sheer (Nancy) of Colfax, Wash .; grandson Dane Lennon of Seattle, Wash .; granddaughters Amy McHorse (JT) of Spokane, Wash., and Michelle Repp of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; five step-granddaughters, Mindy, Mandy, Jessica, Nicole, and Sidney; four great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.

Velda was preceded in death by her husband, Joe (2009); her son, Philip Haxton (2003); her daughter, Vickie Thompson (2018); her parents, Kirk and Nora McCall; and her brothers Gerald, Norman, Orlo, Verle, Kirk, and Bob McCall.

The family requests that memorial donations in Velda's honor be made to Plymouth Congregational Church in Colfax, Wash., or the Whitman Hospital Foundation.

A celebration of Velda's life will be held at Hill-Ray Plaza, Colfax, Wash., April 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. Corbeill Funeral Homes of Colfax is caring for the family. On-line condolences may be made at http://www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com