Elverna Alma Mcnaboe

Surrounded by her daughter and granddaughter, Verna quietly left this world on May 25, 2016 at her home in Thousand Oaks, Ca. Verna began her life on April 14, 1922 in Winona Minnesota, the daughter of Cleora and Harry Ruehmann. She graduated from Winona High School in 1939 and soon after, at a local dance, met the love of her life, Vernon Mc Naboe. They were married in Winona on October 9, 1940 and then moved to New York and honeymooned at Niagra Falls. On September 8, 1941 their only daughter, Karen was born.

Verna will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Having grown up in a time when there were few career choices for the women of America, Verna surprised everyone when her first job was testing airplane engines during World War II. She was proud of her achievements in the work force, knowing they made a contribution toward women’s rights.

When Vern was drafted, Verna and Karen followed him to Road Island where he was stationed. At the end of the war the family returned to New York; but, in the late 1940’s the three of them began a new adventure, leaving family and friends behind when they moved to Southern Ca. where they settled in the San Fernando Valley and later Thousand Oaks.

In the early 1950’s, Verna re-entered the work force where she was employed in many responsible positions. In 1970, after working for Auto Club of Southern Ca. for approximately 15 years, she was rewarded by being offered a promotion to Underwriter – making her the first female underwriter ever to be employed by the Auto Club of Southern Ca. She held that position until her retirement. It was one of her proudest achievements!

In 1969, Karen married Donald Haskin and the following year, Verna and Vern became grandparents when Amber Makai was born. The Golden years brought numerous life challenges: Vern’s disabling stroke in the mid 80’s, Verna’s three colon cancer surgeries, and finally after 65 years of marriage – the death of her husband in 2005. Through these adversities, Verna managed to embrace life, knowing there had to be a reason for her being alive. In 2012, Verna turned 90 and in August, was blessed by the birth of her great grandson, Kaidan Wilder. To her family she became known as “GiGi”.

In 2014, Verna began experiencing some of the normal effects of aging; but, it was not until early 2015, that she began to be noticeably more fragile. Her mind; however, always remained sharp. Her daughter, returned from Costa Rica and was Verna’s live in companion until her passing. Verna is survived by her daughter, Karen, her granddaughter Amber, and her great grandson Kaidan.

Memorial Service: Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park, 5600 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village, Ca. 91362 on Sunday, 26 June, 2016 at 11am. Reception at Vern’s home will immediately follow. For more info: visit www.rosefamilyfuneralhome.com