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Vera L. Hardung, a long-time resident of Mesquite, Nev., passed away at home on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013. She was born on April 21, 1920, in Leigh, Neb., to William and Marie Ehlers. She was married for 56 years to Lavene H. Hardung who preceded her in death. Together they had three children.

Raised on a cattle and wheat ranch in Eastern Washington, Vera learned the value of hard work, a love of land and the outdoors. One of her life goals was to own her own ranch. She worked diligently and was able to buy a ranch near Grand Coulee, Wash., before she was 30.

Vera used the same dedication to meet another important goal. In 1943 she graduated from Washington State University as a pharmacist. She worked in a variety of towns in Eastern Washington as one of the few women pharmacists of the time. She treasured her pharmacy license and continued to maintain it until a few years ago.

In the Mesquite area, Vera was best known for her long daily walks. She loved to stop and visit with those she met while walking. Often people have told her family that they didn’t know her name but knew who she was.

Vera was also a founding member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. She enjoyed activities with the church including Bible studies. Most importantly, she treasured the friends that she met through the church.

Vera is survived by her three children: Rebecca (Mike) Botsford, Lisa Hardung and Kurt (Lori) Hardung. She had two grandchildren, Katie and Alex Hardung. In addition to this, Vera is survived by her “other son” Kelvin (Chloe) Lee and family. She also counted herself lucky that she was surrounded by so many wonderful, thoughtful and supportive friends.

In lieu of other means of tribute to Vera, her family requests that in her memory do some of her favorite things, like:  take a long walk, plant and enjoy flowers and tomatoes, go to church with friends, quilt, especially make baby quilts, make jam and then give it away. The family invites you to leave a message in our “Memorial Guest Book” at http://www.virginvalleymortuary.com