Obituary

Together again! Roni’s spirit soared into her Mr. Wonderful’s heavenly hug early Sunday morning, July 31, 2016. Throughout her 87 years, Mom was a bright, sparkly light of fun and love that never stopped beaming, even during her last 27 years of battling metastasized cancer. Ever generous and full of life, Mom’s signature greeting was a joyous smile, sparkles emitting from her beautiful blues and a bear hug that left no doubt that you were loved. As a youngster, Roni discovered her passion for music and dance and took to the piano quickly. She loved playing as a soloist or accompanist and was always game to lend her voice to any event! She sang untold solos and duets with her late friend Lois Swanson, was a many-decade choir member of Central Lutheran Church’s choir and loved singing in Sweet Adelines. Roni was also an acrobat, played trombone in Mt. Baker’s Marching Band and was a cheerleader at PLC (now PLU). As a teen, she worked summers with her cousins at her uncle and aunt’s resort in Birch Bay, the Halverson Sea Shore Inn, where, at 15, she met the dashing, handsome fella that would become her beloved husband of 65 years, Marv Grunhurd. Together, they built a life of fun and adventure and were blessed with 4 kids, 8 grandkids and a bevy (10 + 2 more on the way) of great-grandkids. With lives rooted in Bellingham and sunny summers spent crabbing, clamming and throwing impromptu family parties at their Birch Bay cabin, Mom and Dad delighted in watching their family grow and keeping up with all the activities and lives of their brood. Loving and giving to a fault, Mom also shared her boundless energy wherever she saw a need: volunteer extraordinaire at Central Lutheran, a driver for Meals On Wheels, visiting nursing homes and helping at school functions for her kids and grands. After shipping their last daughter off to college, Mr. and Mrs. Wonderful embarked on their next chapter, traveling and cruising their way around the globe gathering new friends along the way! No matter where they traveled, Mom always met folks who had grown up in Bellingham, lived in Bellingham or who turned out to be a shirt-tail cousin! For Mom, no one was a stranger, just a friend she hadn’t yet met. Eventually, Mom and Dad moved to a beautiful condo, Marina Vista, and delighted in the community of friends they became a part of. After her beloved’s passing in 2014, Mom made her new home at Parkway Chateau, where she met old friends and new and adored the family of folks who called the Chateau “home.” She recently moved to Highgate Senior Living and was cared for so well by the staff and employees there and through Hospice. Incredibly responsive and kind, they all made Mom’s last 7 months safe, comfortable and happy. And for that, her family is forever grateful. Verona is survived by her sister Joanne Tucker, and her brother Irvin “Ike” Halverson (Gail), her kids; Randy Grunhurd (Mary), Wendy Setter (Mac), Debby Van Leeuwen (Roy) and Tamara Grunhurd (Ellyn). She leaves in love 8 grandkids, 10 greats and a bevy of beloved friends and family in Whatcom County and beyond. She is pre-deceased by her husband, Marv Grunhurd, and her parents Henry and Gertrude Howem Halverson. A graveside service for family will be held at Greenacres Memorial Park. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Whatcom Hospice House, 2800 Douglas Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225. We love you Mom, Grams and GGma and will hold you close until we meet again—and blow you a kiss every time we watch Wheel of Fortune and Dancing with the Stars!