Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Verla Vonceil (Hertje) Groeneveld was born to Verne and Alta Hertje on March 13, 1935 in Braman, Oklahoma. She spent most of her growing up in Purcell, Oklahoma. It was in Purcell that she met her husband Luke, who was stationed in the army at the Fort Sill Army. Verla’s father made sure that Luke was able to get to Sunday morning meetings, and invited him to their home on numerous occasions. A few years later Luke and Verla were married February 19, 1954 immediately following Luke’s official discharge from the army. As a new bride, Verla came West to Luke’s home town of Bridgeport, Wash. where they made their home for the next 62 years. They raised 5 sons, Norman Wayne, Glenn, Verne Jacob (Jake), Roy, and Bruce. Verla will be remembered for her notable gift of knitting, crocheting, and needlepoint. She raised her 5 sons in a yarn shop in her home.
During their 62 years together at Bridgeport, their lives were enriched by their love and reverence of the living God, and choice to have an open home for the work of the gospel brought by ministers who follow Christ’s example. This brought them joy, and a peace not found in a changing world.
In March of 2016 Luke and Verla moved to Royal Park Retirement Center in Spokane, Wash. to better care for health needs. They found a haven at Royal Park and have expressed great appreciation for the caring staff providing for their natural needs, and their wonderful support of privileges they so enjoyed with friends of like faith.
Verla is survived by her husband Lucas Groeneveld, her sister Arvella Lensing, her sons Glenn and wife Rebekah, Jake and wife Kathi, Bruce and wife Hannah, niece Mary Alice Avalos, nephew James Lensing, grandchildren, step grandchildren, great grandchildren, a great niece, and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and sons Norman Wayne, and Roy.
A memorial service will be held at Royal Park Retirement Center, 302 E Wedgewood, Spokane, Wash. on Saturday, April 29, at 2 p.m. in the activities room.
