LaVerna May James Vespier, age 94, of Helena, Montana, passed away March 25, 2015 surrounded by her loving family. She was one of four children born to Fred Schnell and Jesse (Schamp) Schnell. She was born May 18, 1920 in Chugwater, WY, where she spent her early childhood. She moved with her family to Waitsburg, WA in 1932 where she met her future husband, Clyde A. James (he passed in 1957). Together they had three children, Ronald, Elaine and Mickey James. She returned to school and graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse from Columbia Basin College, Pasco WA. She worked at Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Pasco WA and Kedlac Hospital, Richland, WA, until retirement. She married Nicolas Vespier in 1972 (he passed in 2004).
LaVerna had many hobbies, crocheting, knitting, sewing, pinochle, cooking and gardening. She gifted her children, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren with numerous crocheted or knitted items that they still treasure today. She was an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland, WA and visited the ill and infirm bringing communion and loving visits to brighten their day, she was an avid hunter and fisherperson and spent many happy times with her husband, Clyde and their children in the mountains of Oregon along with her father, Fred and dear friends, the Hewitts. She also joined her second husband, Nicolas on trips to the Pacific Coast for deep sea fishing and clam digging, enjoying barbecues and fresh seafood at the picnics hosted by her dear cousins, Fritz and Alice Wood.
LaVerna is survived by her two children, Elaine Locati (Clay Schulz) of Helena and Mickey D. James (Lynden, WA); 12 grandchildren, Thomas, Jr., Jerry (Kari), Cathi, Laurie, Steve (Nicole) Locati; Cindy, Ron (Penelopy) James, Brenda (Andy) Dobis, Awbrey and Aaron (Dawn) James, Christine and Justin James. Stepchildren, Roy Vespier, Michelle Layden; Step grandchildren, Nicole (Buck) Paul, Amy Vespier, Sophia and Soren Layden, Sharon Vespier; and 34 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
LaVerna was preceded in death by her first husband, Clyde James; her parents, Fred and Jesse Schnell; brothers, Elmer, Freddy and Dennis Schnell; son, Ronald James; uncle, Norman Schamp; dear cousin, Beth (Schnell) Jones; son-in-law, Thomas Locati, Sr.; granddaughters, Christina and Paula Locati; great grandson, Angelo Locati; grandson, Michael James; second husband, Nicolas Vespier; step grandson, Tommy Vespier.
The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the wonderful and caring staff of Son Heaven Assisted Living, Frontier Hospice, St. Peter’s Hospital and Big Sky Care Center, and Lowell Bartels as spiritual chaplin and the St. Mary’s Catholic Community Church Holy Communion Staff.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2015 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., followed by a Vigil Service to be held at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2015 at Saint Mary Catholic Community Church, 1700 Missoula Ave. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 12:10 p.m., Monday, March 30, 2015 at Saint Mary Catholic Community Church with a reception to follow the Mass at the church. LaVerna will be inturred during a private graveside service for family at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Bozeman. Memorials in LaVerna’s name are suggested to Saint Mary Catholic Community; 1700 Missoula Ave., Helena, MT 59601or Frontier Home Health & Hospice, 800 Front St., Helena, MT 59601 or charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday March 29, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Sunday March 29, 2015
St. Mary's Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Monday March 30, 2015
St. Mary's Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Mass
Monday March 30, 2015
Social Center of St. Mary's Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday March 29, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Sunday March 29, 2015
St. Mary's Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Monday March 30, 2015
St. Mary's Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Mass
Monday March 30, 2015
Social Center of St. Mary's Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Michael James...son says
The world is truly a better place for her having passed this way. Every thing I am or hope to be in this life, I owe to the loving care, guidance and teachings, but mostly by her shining example, of my mother. “If ye have done it unto the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” “As ye have loved me, love one another.” “Well done my good and faithful servant.” This will be among the words the Lord will say to my mother upon her arrival home and into his loving arms. service to others has always been her way. I am truly blessed to have had such a wonderful mother…