Vernon C. "Vern" Vickery, passed away December 29, 2009, at Yakima Regional Hospital. Vern was born September 10, 1924, in Stella, AR, to Charles and Laura Vickery. As a young man, he moved with his family to the beautiful Wenatchee Valley. He did orchard work, before becoming employed at Keokuk Electro-Metals for 33 years, retiring in 1987. He married Betty Copeland on November 21, 1951, a union which lasted 58 years. Some of Vern's greatest loves were being outdoors working in his "hobby" orchard, which produced delicious fruit, and doing yard work in their well-kept yard. Vern never met a stranger and loved to talk. He had a big smile that was matched only by his equally big heart. He liked to help people whenever and however he could. In May of 2009, Betty and Vern moved down to Yakima, to be closer to their daughter and family.

Vern is survived by his wife, Betty of Yakima; a daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne and Scott Rabbitt of Selah; a son, Tim of Wenatchee; two grandchildren, Holly and Derek Rabbitt of Selah; and three brothers and two sisters, Conway, "Charles" Vickery, Rex Vickery, Bob Vickery, Mona Smith and Yvonne Mattix, all of Wenatchee. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Eva Dean Powell.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2010, at 11:00 a.m., at Stone Church, 3303 Englewood Avenue in Yakima.

We will miss you Dad, but know we will see you again. You were the best.