Veronica Dee Peyree

Veronica Dee Payree, 63, of Yuma Arizona, passed away on December 1, 2004, in Yuma Arizona as a result of a single car accident. Veronica was born in Salem, Oregon on March 2, 1941, and had a beautiful life as a devoted wife, mother and lifetime educator. She taught at elementary schools in both Oregon and Arizona. She received the Crystal Apple Award, an award given to recognize outstanding teachers. Later, she was a School Improvement Program Assistant in the Sprague area. She was a resource for many teachers, designing and mapping curricula, and was very involved in Oregon's push for school improvement from the late 1980's until her retirement in 1994. She loved to make books with children and put together several Young Authors' Conferences. After retirement, she continued teaching, this time at Southwest Christian School in Yuma. Roni was very involved in her church, Grace Bible Fellowship, where her renewed faith was an inspiration to many. In addition to coordinating the Sunday School, she worked with the womens' ministry, conducted a womens' bible study, mentored and discipled to many people, and was involved in a variety of charitable special events. She was even the church decorator. She recently won the Dove award at Crossroads Mission for volunteer of the year. Mrs. Peyree had many creative talents and was always learning new skills and arts, including calligraphy, quilting, sewing, gardening, and interior decorating. She loved using her talents to help people. Veronica is survived by her loving husband, Bill; and devoted daughters, Dee Ann Fetko of Anchorage, Alaska and Amy McDermott of Salem; step son, Brad Peyree of Independence; sister, Jackie Peterson of Vista California; brother Mel Kelly of Salem; 12 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and many beloved nieces and nephews. For those who knew her, the sorrow of Roni's passing is matched only by our sense of profound gratitude for the privilege of knowing and loving such a wonderful person. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at Farnstrom Mortuary in Independence. Funeral Service will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, December 8, 2004 at Monmouth Christian Church in Monmouth. There will be a reception following the service and interment will be at Hilltop Cemetery in Independence following the reception. memorial donations may be made in Veronica's name to Crossroads Mission, Yuma Arizona Arrangements entrusted to Farnstrom Mortuary, Independence, Oregon.