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Vergene Mumper, 75

Vergene “Gene” (Lucas) Mumper left on her next journey with our Lord on Monday, Dec. 17, 2018. She was born in St. James, Mo., on July 30, 1943, to Isaac A. and Edna (Phay) Lucas while her father was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood prior to deployment to Europe. As an infant, she traveled with her mother back to the family home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The oldest of three daughters, she attended Borah Elementary, Coeur d’Alene Jr. and Sr. High Schools, and North Idaho Junior College.

Although she was afflicted with pulmonary disease since she was a young child, Vergene was able to work for various companies as an adult and specialized in inventory control, purchasing and customer service. She resided with her young family in Coeur d’Alene, Monterey, Calif., and Richland, Wash., returning to Coeur d’Alene when her children were grown.

Additionally, she had many interests that gave joy to her and to others. She was a gifted musician, an artist, an ingenious craftsperson, but most of all — a prolific quilter. She belonged to two quilting organizations and provided treasured, hand-sewn gifts to family members and numerous quilts to newborns through the Birthright organization. She was also a member of the Community of Christ Church, where she contributed to the worship experience as a pianist. However, her passion was always her family. She taught siblings, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren a love for reading and all the arts, as well as instigating the fellowship of game times and the encouragement of much laughter.

She is survived by two daughters, Laura (Mike) Dugas of Blue Springs, Mo., and Jill (Chris) Peterson of Pasco, Wash.; one son, Lonnie (Tina) Phay of Tensed, Idaho; Michelle Phay, who was her caregiver as well as one of her 12 adoring grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters, Claire (Gary) McDonald of Blue Springs, Mo., and Gayle Erickson of Coeur d’Alene, in addition to numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her eldest son, Rick Mumper, in 2012.

The family would like to thank her doctors and the caring staff of the Critical Care Department of Kootenai Health for their loving care.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 21, 2018, at the Community of Christ Church, 1801 N. Ninth St., Coeur d’Alene,.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Vergene’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.