Tehachapi News

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Vera Marie Laney died of liver cancer in her daughter’s home in Tehachapi on Feb. 2. She was 81. Born Vera Marie Wiens in Fresno, on Feb. 13, 1926, her father Jacob and mother Agnes Wiens were from Germany. She lived a full life, blessed with a close relationship with God and a deep love for others.

She was a woman who was blessed to be a member of a close and loving family. She was fondly called Gramma, Mom, Sister and Friend. She answered in a unique and loving way to each of these relationships. One of her greatest legacies to us all was her unshakable faith in a loving and personal God and her sweet and unselfish character.

In her final days she amazed family and loved ones at her side with a peace that surpasses all understanding and a sweetness that only comes from being eternally secure. Vera gave her life to the Lord at an early age. Before she was married she dreamed of being a missionary. once she was married and had a family of her own, they became her greatest ministry of all.

Vera was widowed by her husband, Bill, in January 2006. He was a Staff Sergeant in the Army. He later became a welder by trade. They were married on June 29, 1942 and were happily married for 63 years. They were truly devoted to one another, which gave us all an anchor of faith and love.

She is survived and deeply missed by her three sons; Kenneth Laney of Kingsburg, Bill Laney, Jr. of Fresno and Dennis Laney of Porterville; and daughter Betty Barker of Tehachapi. She is also survived by brother Edwin Wiens and sister Adeline Koop of Reedley, ten grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Vera discovered many talents as her children were growing up. She choreographed all of her daughter’s gymnastic routines and as a self-taught seamstress, made all of her costumes and clothing from scratch. She went fishing with her boys, took them to all of their sporting events and was always supportive of whatever they did. Once her children were grown, she discovered the joy of real estate and remained a successful agent and broker for over 30 years. Even at the age of 81 she always remembered everyone’s birthday. She loved being around people and never wanted to miss out on a church service or an opportunity to serve others.

“She respected the individuality of each of us. She knew how to praise us and how to discipline us in unique ways. I also remember her always being home for us,” said her son, Dennis Laney.

“She worked hard and was always supportive of whatever we did,” said her son, Bill Laney.

“She was incredibly creative,” said her great-granddaughter Cherish Jessee, age 11. “She and I would spend hours making jewelry from beads and her designs were always the most colorful and fun.”

“I loved her cleverness and sense of humor,” son-in-law Ron Barker, pastor of Tehachapi First Baptist Church. “She loved to be teased and would always have the wittiest comeback.”

 A graveside service was held on Feb. 6 at the Reedley Cemetery. A memorial service was held Feb. 10 at the First Baptist Church in Tehachapi. Wood Family Funeral Service handled the arrangements.