Vernice Junkin, age 86, of Sweet Home, passed away Sunday in an Albany care facility.

Vernice was born February 28, 1921 in Portland, Oregon to Arthur and Mildred (Emmons) Giddings. She was raised in Portland, graduating from Grant High School.

On November 22, 1941 she married Maurice “Morry” Junkin in Portland. Her first job was working at a phone company doing filing during the war. Later, Vernice was an electronic assembler for 16 years at Ford Industries, Milwaukie. After retirement in 1980, they moved to Sweet Home to have their own Christmas tree farm on 10 acres, where Morry built their home.

Vernice enjoyed her iris garden, being a rock hound, cats and dogs, older movies, people watching, crocheting, Christian radio, Vernon McGhee, and truly enjoyed being kind to others. She had also been a Cub Scout leader. Vernice was a former member of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Sweet Home.

Vernice is survived by three sons, David and Bruce Junkin of Portland, Robert Junkin of Colorado Springs, Colorado; nine grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice “Morry” Junkin; son, Jerry Junkin; brother, Richard; and two grandchildren, Brian and Daniel Junkin.

Viewing took place 10 am to 4 pm Sunday November 4 at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. Memorial service was 3 pm Sunday at Albany Mennonite Home Chapel. Private interment will be at Gilliland Cemetery.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel handled the arrangements.