Vernice Wanda Eagan

Vernice Wanda Eagan was the daughter of John and Molly York. She was born on December 14, 1912 in Vanduser, Missouri. She attended school in Pratt, Missouri through eighth grade. At age 16 she married Oliver Wilton Eagan on August 21, 1929. Together they raised six children James, John, Donald, Bill, Carol, Charles and two grandsons Wesley and Chuck in Eastern Oregon (Brogan). Together they bravely walked through the heartache of losing two sons James and Charles. Vernice, with her husband and two grandsons, later moved to the greater Seattle area where the boys finished high school and Wilton retired. Among other moves she and Wilton then moved to Vancouver, Washington, where they purchased a home on acreage and enjoyed their retirement years. They loved traveling to family get-togethers and boating with daughter Carol and son-in-law Ed. Following their 58th wedding anniversary, Wilton passed away, and Vernice moved to her own home in Federal Way to be closer to her children. Around age 90 she enjoyed eight more years living with Carol in Seattle until her sudden, peaceful passing at age 98.
Vernice lived a very full and happy life. She enjoyed baking, cooking and canning while taking care of and enjoying her family and friends. While living in Brogan, Oregon in 1956, Vernice opened her own restaurant in town with daughter Carol as her partner. Vernice began her day early baking pies and rolls, then cooking and serving breakfasts, followed by mid-day lunches. When the late afternoon cleanup was complete, she’d go home to prepare family dinners, while Carol took over cooking and serving dinners and home-made cakes at the restaurant. All baking and cooking recipes were Vernice’s from scratch ingredients—delicious, old fashioned home cooking.
Vernice loved traveling and participating in family events both local and out of state over the years, and she will be sweetly remembered. Just one month before her passing, at age 98, she accompanied Carol on a road trip to Idaho for a sweet visit with family and friends. Vernice was a wonderful traveling companion and remained awake and alert as Carol drove, and they shared conversations. The physical pain Vernice often felt, especially in her legs as she aged, was seldom known to others; they saw instead her calm determination and a warm smile on her face. She will be remembered for her gentle heart, insightful wisdom, and practical living. She will be greatly missed by her four remaining children John (Sharon), Donald (Beverly), Bill (Linda), and Carol Thrush; ten grandchildren (their spouses); thirteen great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren. She was a precious mom, grandma, and friend who will always be remembered and loved.
The family would like to extend special thanks and appreciation to Vernice’s daughter Carol for the love, support, and care she gave her mother through the years, especially in the latter years.