Vera Grunden

Vera Grunden, 96, of Cheyenne died April 20, 2010 at Life Care Center in Cheyenne. Vera Fern Willis was born February 16, 1914 in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, the daughter of Herman and Clara Willis. She was the oldest of five children. Vera Willis and Ralph Grunden were married June 13, 1931 in Greeley, Colorado. Vera and Ralph lived on a farm east of Cheyenne for many years and worked very hard. They had two children, Edna Mae Grunden – Schwindt and Bobbie Lloyd Grunden. Ralph worked for Union Pacific Railroad as well as running the farm. They also lived a short time in Salt Lake City, Utah where Ralph finished his career with Union Pacific Railroad, as a machinist. Upon his retirement, they returned to Cheyenne. Vera and Ralph enjoyed camping and fishing and were members of the Cheyenne Jackalopes Camping club. Vera was a member of the Zion Congregational Church. Vera loved to crochet and made many lovely gifts for her family. She won several Grand Champion ribbons at Laramie County Fair. Vera is survived by her son, Bob Grunden and his wife Mary Grunden of Arvada; a son-in-law, Walter Schwindt of Cheyenne; three grandchildren, Julie Schwindt of Cheyenne, George Grunden and his wife Renza Grunden of Arvada; Michelle Patrick and her husband Derek Patrick of Arvada, and three great-grandchildren, Joshua Patrick and Katie Patrick of Arvada and George Grunden Jr. of Arvada. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Clara Willis; her husband, Ralph Lloyd Grunden; her daughter, Edna Mae Schwindt; two grandchildren, Cheryl Ann Schwindt and Randy Louis Schwindt; three sisters, Jane Burham, Leah Russell, and Elizabeth Konrad and a brother, Herman Willis. Honorary Pallbearers will be her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Julie Schwindt, George Grunden, Michelle Patrick, Joshua Patrick, Katie Patrick and George Grunden, Jr. Friends may contribute to the Zion Congregational Church, 600 E. 7th Street, Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82007 or the Cancer Society.