Apr 3, 1917 - Apr 6, 2018
Vera passed away Friday, April 6th at The Mayfair at the age of 101. Vera was born in Lone Tree, North Dakota on April 3, 1917 to James Norman and Lillian Gertrude Start.
On July 11, 1935 she married Leonard Peterson from Tacoma, Washington. During her marriage to Leonard they operated a print shop in Seattle, purchased a Gospel Book Store in Bremerton and became involved in the Bremerton Servicemen's Center which was a home where sailors could stay while their ships were being overhauled. Leonard passed away in 1980 and Vera continued her work at the Servicemen's Center for 2 more years.
On June 20, 1987 Vera married Rev. Alf Orthner of Abbotsford, BC. They had reconnected at a Simpson Bible College reunion. For almost 11 years they served their Lord together in Abbotsford. Alf passed away April 10, 1998. Music was always an important part of Vera's life. Through the years she taught and played the piano and organ and sang in choirs. She was a "prayer warrior".
She is survived by 5 daughters: Jeanine Korne, Tacoma WA, Corine Fasion, Olympia WA, Marilyn Young, Abbotsford BC, Veldene Kinnie, White Rock BC, Janice Koop, Abbotsford BC and one son Jerry Orthner, Calgary AB., 11 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Vera's Life will be held at The Mayfair on Wednesday April 11th at 1:30 p.m.
Internment April 16 Forest Lawn Cemetery, Bremerton WA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Christian and Missionary Alliance Global Advance Fund.