Verna May Woolf

May 31, 2024. She was surrounded by her family throughout

her last days until she went home to be with the Lord.

Verna-May was born on April 5, 1927, to Charles “Bud”

Hemstreet and Ruby Irene Hemstreet in Fellows, California.

Verna graduated from San Luis Obispo High School in 1945,

where she met her future husband, James Milton Woolf. They

were “say-hello” friends in high school.

The following year, on February 14, 1946, Verna “re-met” Jim at

the Firemen’s Ball in San Luis Obispo. After the ball, Jim began

visiting her at work and they began dating. They were married

on April 6 of the same year and were married for 62 years. Jim

and Verna had two children, Richard Eugene Woolf and Linda

Jean Woolf (Bonnett).

Once their children were both in high school, Verna studied nursing and became a Licensed

Vocational Nurse. She was dedicated to public service as a swim instructor and a member of the

Millville Rebekah Lodge 141 for decades. Verna and Jim dedicated over 25 years of service on

the Citizen’s Patrol. She spent countless hours volunteering and was recognized and appreciated

for her community service efforts. For many years, the two of them shared stories about World

War II and the Pacific Coast Homefront with students at Foothill High School. They hosted

dozens of end-of-school-year celebrations for students from Foothill High and Parsons Junior

High School. Jim and Verna were avid car enthusiasts and valued the friendships they built with

fellow Mustang Club members. They also enjoyed camping, hunting, gardening, gathering with

family and friends.

Verna was a dedicated mom and grandparent. She enjoyed watching her family members’

countless sporting events and school activities. She loved her family dearly and was often heard

saying, “I’m proud of my family, each and every one of them.” Her words of endearment as

family and friends left the house were, “Have fun and you be safe.”

Verna was preceded in death by her grandson, Barry Woolf, husband, James Milton Woolf, and

son, Richard Eugene Woolf. She leaves behind her daughter, Linda Jean Bonnett (Woolf), her

daughter-in-law, Cynthia Woolf (Gayman), son-in-law, Lonnie Bonnett, her grandchildren,

Shelly Craig (Bonnett) and husband, Brian Craig, Shanna McCracken (Bonnett), Lance and wife,

Jen Woolf, nine great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, and family friends who loved

her dearly. Family was the most important to Verna. She and Jim would often look out at family

gatherings and say with pride, “...and we started all of this!”

A visitation for Verna will be held Monday, June 17, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Lawncrest

Chapel, 1522 East Cypress Ave, Redding, CA 96002. A graveside service will occur on Tuesday, June 18,

2024, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Lawncrest Chapel. A reception will be held at Woolf’s Den, 8710

Quail Valley Drive immediately following the service. All are welcome.