Verna Jeppesen

Verna Merle Jeppesen (Higley), a spunky, little lady passed away peacefully at her home in Fort Bridger, Wyoming on Friday, February 16, 2024.

Verna was born on February 11, 1943 in Burley, Idaho to S. V. Higley and Parmell Higley. At age 18, she met a wonderful man, Jarrol H. Jeppesen at a park in Heyburn, Idaho. Soon they were inseparable. She married him on October 14, 1961 and later they were sealed for all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple. They had five children: Jarrol Jr., Lisa, Jack, Joseph, and Kay.

She had a very happy childhood in Idaho. Being the youngest of six children and having many nieces and nephews close to her age. She never went without a playmate.

Verna and Jarrol made their home all over Idaho, where they had their first four children. The family made their way to Wyoming where their last child was born. They spent a majority of their marriage in Green River and Fort Bridger, Wyoming.

Throughout her life, Verna worked as a CNA, Medical Office Assistant, piano teacher, and a substitute teacher. However, her favorite job was being a mom. Verna lived for her five children. She always wanted a house full of children. She had exactly that. Each child always had a friend over or accompanying them on family trips. Family vacations were planned around what her children wanted to do. Even if it wasn't what she wanted. Verna went without just so that her children had what they needed and wanted. Once her children were raised, Verna's grandchildren became her world. She loved each and everyone of them. She went on little trips with them and played kickball and hide and seek with them.

Christmas was Verna's favorite time of year. She loved having the family Christmas party at her home. She spent endless hours planning it. Santa, plenty of food, and presents would be there for the family she loved.

Hobbies that Verna enjoyed doing were fishing, camping, hunting, mountain road trips, shopping trips with friends and family, and yard work. She also loved to crochet, knit, sew, and quilt. Verna was also a beautiful pianist. She was self taught. She was never bored. Verna always had something to do.

Her sisters, Connie, Shirley, and LaRee were a big part of her life. The family would always make the trip to Idaho every summer to visit them. They would play Dice and would stay up all hours of the night laughing and carrying on. Verna's brother (Bill Higley) and her sister's children affectionately addressed her as "Auntie Verna". They adored her as an Aunt and as a friend.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Verna would share her faith with others and always wanted to do "the Lord's work". She held many calling's as pianist, organist, visiting teacher, and a part of the young women's group and relief society. Verna loved that she held a temple recommend. It wasn't always easy for her. A day she will always cherish is when she was able to take part in the sealing of her grandaughter's family. She later went on to visit many temples.

May Verna be remembered as a strong, loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to many. She was a beautiful woman who loved and gave all to everyone she touched.

Verna Merle Jeppesen is survived by her five children, Jarrol H. Jeppesen Sr, (Lorrie), Lisa Prime (Mike), Jack Jeppesen (Shelly), Joseph Jeppesen (Kayleen), and Kay Rippetoe (Troy), one sibling, Bill Higley, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.