Verna Mae Duncan

Verna Mae Shriner was born in Spokane, Washington, August 27, 1931 and grew up in Prosser and Yakima, Washington with her sister Joyce. She graduated from Yakima High School in 1949. Verna was a very fine flutist and played in the All Northwest Band (1947) and All Northwest Orchestra (1949.) In 1953 she earned her B.A. and in 1955 her M.Ed. in Music Education (both at) Central Washington University, Ellensburg, Washington. She married Donald H. Duncan in 1953 in Yakima, Washington. Verna taught elementary school for twenty-three years starting in the Yakima Valley. After Don and Verna moved to Monmouth she taught fifth and sixth grade for 19 years at Henry Hill Elementary School, Independence, Oregon. In 1988 she was selected Co-elementary Teacher of the Year for Central School District 13J. When Verna wasn’t teaching she enjoyed playing principle flute in the Salem Symphony and later for the Salem Pops Orchestra. She also enjoyed volunteering in various activities such as the Jensen Arctic Museum, Monmouth Blood Drive, July 4th Community Activities and also at Henry Hill Elementary School and the Western Oregon University Foundation Office. With her husband Don, they received a community Service Award in 1992. In 1999 both Verna and Don were honored as “First Citizens” for Monmouth/Independence. Verna loved reading, traveling, making craft items, gardening and playing golf with the Oak Knoll Ladies Club. She was especially talented in making beautiful fresh flower bouquets during her retirement. After their move to Capital Manor in 2000 Verna enjoyed volunteering by helping with planning entertainment programs and playing her flute with Hazel, but her most cherished activity was making beautiful fresh flower arrangements for the lobby and individuals. Survivors include: her husband Donald H. Duncan (July would have marked 65 years of marriage), two fine daughters, Laurie Duncan Hanson and Nancy Duncan, their spouses, Dan Hanson and Ron Jager. Three grandchildren, Cameron Minten, Cicely Minten Branson, her husband Justin, their daughter Alana. Nicole Williams Anderson, her husband Kyle Anderson, and their children Kaia and Kody. Sister Joyce Elsner.Memorial service for a celebration life is scheduled for Saturday June 16th, at 1:30 at Capital Manor in the Auditorium, 1955 Dallas Highway. Private burial will be at Fir Crest, Smith Cemetery in Monmouth, Oregon. Contributions in Verna’s name can be made to Donald H and Verna S Duncan Scholarship at Western Oregon University Foundation in Monmouth, Oregon 345 N Monmouth Ave, Monmouth, Oregon 97361 or to the Classroom Enrichment Program of the Monmouth-Independence Community Foundation, PO Box 84, Monmouth, Oregon 97361.Farnstrom Mortuary is handling services.
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