In Loving Memory

Verna Jean Dubois

Verna Jean (Steele) Dubois passed away November 11, 2021, at home. Verna was born October 13, 1932, in Fruitland, Washington. She attended grade school in Fruitland and graduated from Columbia High School in 1950. Verna was very active in the local and state 4-H program which would prove to be an invaluable experience in her later life. She graduated from Washington State College in 1955 with a degree in Home Economics.

While going to college, Verna met her husband, Dave Dubois, at an Addy Dance. They were married in the summer of 1954. After completing college, Dave and Verna moved to Colville. They built a house and filled it with three children, Debbi, Denice, and Rick. Dave and Verna later found a larger farm in Chewelah, and they moved there in1964 where Verna maintained the home, cared for the family, and especially enjoyed canning the bounty from a large garden and fruits from local orchards.

Verna returned to college in 1969 to obtain her teaching certification. She began teaching Home Economics in the Chewelah School District in 1970 and retired after 22 years.

In retirement, Verna enjoyed travelling with memorable trips to Europe and Alaska with her mother. In 2006 she travelled to New Orleans with a United Church of Christ Conference group to help rehab houses destroyed by hurricane Katrina.

In 1979 Dave & Verna purchased a lot in Morgan Park on Loon Lake and had a log cabin built. Family and friends continue to enjoy this cabin. Verna especially liked fishing for 'silvers' in Loon Lake and kept a tally each year of the total number each family member caught. Many Family gatherings and reunions were held at the Loon Lake Cabin. Nothing pleased Verna more than seeing her family make good use of the lake place.

Her husband David passed away in 2011 and in 2013, Verna moved to Broadway Court Estates in Spokane Valley, a Retirement Center where she made many friends and enjoyed social activities. In 2018 Verna returned to Chewelah to live with her daughter, Denice, due to health care concerns.

Verna is preceded in death by her husband, David Dubois, her brother, Jack Steele, and her grandson Kyle Ross. She is survived by her children: Debbi (Randy) Ross, Denice (Brian) Ross and Rick (Cheryl) Dubois; grandchildren: Cari (Leon), Cami (Harley), Casi (Dion), Jayme (April), Aaric (Misti), Rhea (Eric), Ryan (Mariah) and Jason; and several great-grandchildren: Kale, Krislyn, Daniel, Keona, Jacob, Cole, Cooper, Noah, Arya, Lyla, Finn, Luke, William & Bennett. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at the Chewelah United Church of Christ at 1:00 pm on Friday, November 19, 2021.