Charlotte Ann Verley passed away at her home on Aug. 3, 2024 surrounded by her loving family at the age of 74.
Charlotte was born on Jan. 12, 1950 to Charles and Grace Turnbull Willis in Fresno, Calif.
Charlotte moved from California and lived in Washington state and Oregon for several years during her childhood. Her family moved to Clatskanie, where she went to high school, met and fell in love with Michael Verley, and after graduating with the class of 1968, she married Michael Verley in Longview, Wash. on Aug. 30, 1968. They had four children, Christopher in 1974, Daniel in 1975, Cynthia in 1977 and Sheri in 1978.
During the almost 56 years they were married, Charlotte was a loving wife, devoting all her time and energy to caring for her family and home. She loved to sew with her girls and was an amazing seamstress. Crafting, gardening, cooking, baking cakes and canning were also favorite pastimes.
Mike and Charlotte had many adventures living in Germany for 2-1/2 years while Michael served in the U.S. Army. After Mike’s honorable discharge, the couple lived in the Ferndale and Bellingham, Wash. areas for several years. They moved to Umatilla in 1979 and have lived in Irrigon since the early 1980s. They spent hours playing cards with friends and Charlotte loved to dance.
Charlotte and Michael owned and operated the Irrigon Market for over 15 years. She was involved in many community activities such as Brownie and Girl Scouts leader, president of Irrigon Little League for a number of years, as well as coaching her daughters, enjoyed helping with 4-H Club, and always supported all of the local fundraisers and donated to many different activities to support her community.
Charlotte was full of life and loved to laugh and giggle, enjoyed singing and dancing, and loved and missed her dear doggy, Suzie. Charlotte’s legacy and love were her children, Chris (Sommer) Verley of Sandy, Danny (Brandi) Verley of Irrigon, Cindy (Jim) Roberts of Irrigon, and Sheri (Mike) Gutierrez of Boardman; 18 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Reed and Susan DeVries; brother, James Willis; and many extended family members.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents.
A celebration of life will be held at West Park (across from the nature trails) in Umatilla on Aug. 17, 2024 at 1 p.m.
A private family interment will be held at the Desert Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Irrigon.
Family is asking that any memorial contributions in Charlotte‘s memory be made to the American Cancer Society.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
