Vernus passed away peacefully in Everett, Washington on August 3, 2022 after 100 years of a life lived well. She was born March 21, 1922 on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota to John and Ruth Keepers. She was the 5th of 6 children and the last of her generation
left in her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 5 siblings: Robert, Maurine, Shirley, Jack, and Don, and her husband of 61 years, Leonard F. Woodgate.

Leonard and Vernus were active in the Advent Christian Church in Seattle for many years, and they spent their golden years living on Camano Island, where they were active members of Camano Chapel. Her faith was unwavering and she spent many hours helping her husband with carpentry projects at Camano Chapel and around the community. Vernus also loved to garden and created numerous flower arrangements for the church.

She loved taking long walks around Camano Island, making many friends along the way. She enjoyed collecting driftwood, rocks, and shells on the beach, creating unique pieces of art for friends and family, who were the light of her life.

Vernus is survived by her children Carolyn Rippee (George), VerLen Sheehan (Paul), and Kelly Woodgate; 5 grandchildren: George III, Karen, Marc, Jill, and Alicia; 5 great-grandchildren: Bailey, Britney, George IV, Jaybin, and Jazper; and one great-great granddaughter, Willow. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Many thanks to the staff at Bethany Silver Lake, who cared for Vernus in her final years.

Private services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests making a donation to the charity of your choice.