Verna “Vicky” (Porter) Towslee, age 83, died at Whidbey Island Manor Nursing Home on Aug. 17 from complications of Alzheimer’s.

She was born Verna Velorice Vik on April 18, 1924 in Irene, S.D. to the late John and Marie Vik. She lived on a farm with nine sisters and brothers in Irene during her school years where she was known as “Verna Vik from Turkey Creek.” She would often reminisce about the farm days.

In 1945, she married her first husband, Robert O. (Bob) Porter and moved to Langley. She was well known for her energetic smile and boundless energy while working at the Star Store in Langley for 18 years under the guidance of Vic and Anne Primavera.

She could always be found working in her beautiful yard that was admired by those visiting or be found putting another coat of paint on the interior walls of the house.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Langley, as well as a lifetime member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Westport.

In 1968, she married Charles Towslee and later moved to Westport, where she resided until her move back to Whidbey in 2003 to be close to her son and daughter-in-law.

Vicky is survived by her son and his wife, Jim and Karrie Porter (who she referred to as her best friend); two grandsons, Jason (Karin) Porter, Lynnwood and Ryan Porter, Freeland; three sisters, Selma Aklund, Marie Swenson, and Gertrude (Roy) Anderson all residing in South Dakota; three sisters-in-law, Vivian Vik (Ed), South Dakota, Fern Goodlett (Hervin), Edmonds and Marie Vik (Elmer), South Dakota; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Myrtle and brothers Stan, Herbert, Ed, Hervin and Elmer.

A memorial service will be held at noon Wednesday, Sept. 5, at Visser’s Funeral Home, 432 Third Street, Langley.