Verlene Alexander

Verlene Alexander, beloved mother and friend to many passed away early Thursday morning August 8th 2019 of natural causes here in Nampa, her life-long home. She eased into heaven just one day shy of her 87th birthday.
Verlene was born in Nampa on August 9th 1932 to Geneva and Owen Lovejoy. Sadly Her father, Owen passed when she was only 8 years old. Her mother chose Mac H. Casey 'Papa' to be her stepfather. Together they raised a friendly young lady that enjoyed playing in Lakeview park with friends, loved the cinema and who took up long-gun sharp-shooting as a competitive hobby. She won many medals and trophies and became a Marksman 1st class while in her early teen years.
Verlene graduated from Nampa Senior High in 1951. In September of 1952, during the Korean war, she decided to enlist in the Air Force. This would turn into a great sense of pride, belonging and achievement for her. She supported her fellow troops via clerical work stateside. Her work ethic and sense of responsibility quickly promoted her to Airman 1st class. She was honorably discharged in September of 1955.
Verlene returned to Nampa to her eagerly awaiting family. She utilized her military experience to gain a clerical position at the Boise capitol in the State Auditors office. She typed payroll checks for all government workers and accounts payable.
She worked there until she met and married her husband, Charles 'Chuck' F Alexander in February of 1963. With Chuck, she had two daughters, Sherrie Alexander-Bingham and Lisa Alexander-Grigg. She was a wonderful mother and friend to her girls. When Chuck passed away suddenly in 1972, she was left to raise them by herself. This was well before any financial assistance or help for single mothers was available. She cleaned houses, took in ironing and became a source of strength and admiration for her girls.
Once her girls were out of school she decided to get a motor paper route for the Idaho Press Tribune and sell Avon. She maintained those two jobs for 2 decades when she decided to retire from the paper over 10 years ago. However, Avon was her passion. She continued to sell Avon until just prior to her passing. She enjoyed her clients so much, came to know them and their world. She became true friends with the majority. She won yearly sales awards, enjoyed Avon meetings, dinners and conferences. She filled her final order just 4wks before her death. It crushed her to tell her friends that she was quitting due to declining health.
Verlene was a strong willed, opinionated and impassioned woman. She was admired and loved by many. She enjoyed having lunch with life-long friends and newer friends from Avon. She loved shopping and antiquing for wall-pockets. She loved her Mariners ‘til the bitter end. Her oldest daughter, Sherrie had also turned her into a Seahawks fan as well. Both her and Lisa know mom helped the Hawks win their 1st pre-season game Thursday as she encouraged them from above. Go Hawks!
Verlene is survived by her two daughters, Sherrie and Lisa. Three handsome grandsons Daniel, Keith and Kyle. And she was very excited to know she was a great-grandma to Dylan Matthew Grigg due in January 2020.
Verlene was preceded in death by her father Owen, stepfather Mac, wonderful mother Geneva, stepbrother Tommy and her little dog Chewy.
Verlene will be placed in Mt Calvary Cemetery under a beautiful, shady tree. A Celebration of Life will be planned and hosted by her girls in Verlene's home at a later date (to be announced).
Her girls would like to give their heartfelt thanks to Treasure Valley Hospice. The owner Honey, Karen, Sandee RN, Darla RN, Rob RN, Wendy RN, Amy RN, Toni CNA and so many others… you all made a huge difference in our mother’s final days. You are all special, loving, wonderful people. To the staff at Wellspring Health and Rehab, another big thank you for helping our mother be comfortable and well-cared for. The carts of food and beverages you provided to us during long vigils with mom gave us the strength to carry on. We had a lot of help on this difficult journey. To our dear friends who prayed for us, with us- thank you so much.
Mom always said Avon makes us prettier, but it was Verlene, Mom that made our world a truly beautiful place. You will be missed so much.

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