Cleo Ann Venables

Cleo Ann (Snow) Venables Cleo Ann (Snow) Venables was born February 27, 1933, in Huron, South Dakota, the youngest of 10 children born to Eugene and Olive Snow. In spite of the Great Depression, which began during the same year, the family enjoyed many years together rich with love, music, and laughter. Cleo was not the most expected or planned child in the Snow family. Olive was somewhat distressed over having a tenth child, but it’s said that Dr. Saxton told her, “Mrs. Snow, this baby will be a comfort to you in your old age.” Fittingly, Cleo was the person holding her mother’s hand as she passed from this world at the age of 102. God is good! Cleo graduated from high school in Huron, and on March 17, 1951, married the love of her life, Lawrence Venables. During the next several years, the couple bore six children (four boys, two girls) on a farm in the South Dakota prairie - Jim, Carol, Jeff, Steve, Russ, and Karen. In 1966, Cleo and Larry moved their young family to Olympia, Washington, where they lovingly raised and nurtured their children. Family was Cleo’s life, and they filled her with joy and pride! On Sunday, August 19, Cleo succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease. She was a devout Christian who had a lifelong faith in Jesus Christ; she lived her life and raised her family as such. Cleo has been a member of the Sonrise Church of God in Olympia for more than 10 years. Cleo was primarily a fabulous homemaker and wife; she had the unique ability to make any house a “home.” After the children were grown, Cleo accompanied Larry to his various job locations and created a home for the two of them. As Larry retired, the couple began to travel a bit. They both enjoyed 18 winters in the Arizona sunshine together. Cleo had quite a sense of humor; she often said that she and Larry were “rainbirds” rather than “snowbirds” (referring to the many inches of rain which falls each year in Western Washington). It has been said that Cleo and Larry lived their life together as if they were newlyweds. At all times, it was clear to everyone that the couple were deeply devoted to each other. Ultimately, Larry was Cleo’s loving caregiver throughout her illness. Also, music and singing added much joy to Cleo, and she sang as a member of several choirs during her life; she had a lovely voice! When Cleo’s many “best friends” or family members were in her presence; laughter and fun always prevailed. She was an example of a quote she loved: “The worst thing you could have done in your life was to have missed it.” Life was considered fun to Cleo, and people made it even better! As the saying goes, “She would enter a room where most of us would see strangers, but she would see friends she has not yet met.” She was a giving and compassionate friend to many throughout her life. Cleo had many “favorite things.” Listed here are just a few: Tomatoes, foot rubs (both giving and receiving), her grandchildren, family stories and quotes, a punkin piece o’ pie, her “comfy, cozy” pheasant couch, attending “garage sales” with friends, antique dishes and glassware, purple, birds and birdhouses, and her cats, Zooey (whom she said she had the privilege to lead to the Lord), Annie and Andy. Dearest Cleo, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister is survived by Larry Venables (Olympia); children, Jim (Ursula) Venables (Olympia), Carol (Mike) Pratt (Olympia), Jeff (Cathy) Venables (Medford, OR), Steve (Marsha) Venables (Olympia), Russ (Harriett) Venables (Kent), Karen (Rob) Rice (Olympia); grandchildren and great grandchildren, Jeni Venables (Olympia), Joshua (Cami) Pratt (Ellie, Joel, and Jace) (Kenmore), Travis (Tiffany) Pratt (Ashton) (Shelton), Allison Pratt (Olympia), Tom (Lani) Venables (Sela) (Medford, OR), Delaine (Dan) Weaver (Reagan and Brynn) (Medford, OR), Christian (Rebecca) Venables (Medford, OR), Juliana Venables (Olympia), Paul (Truly Nusvaum) Venables (Olympia), Matthew Venables (Kent), Kevin Venables (Kent), Nina Venables (Kent), Kim (Johnny) Yarrington (Olympia), Brienna Rice (Olympia), Alex Rice (Olympia); sisters, Dorothy (Ardway) Bennett (Columbus, Nebraska), Beryl (Bob) Bushong (Watertown, South Dakota), and Patty (Matt) Traster (Ulysses, Kansas). We will all miss your love, caring, laughter, and winning ways. You are now in the Lord’s arms. What a blessed time! Cleo left her family the legacy of loving each other, and loving and respecting their spouses and families as she so clearly demonstrated. “It’s not what you take from the world when you leave it; it’s what you leave when you go.” The family would like to especially thank The Hampton Alzheimer Special Care facility and staff for their loving and attentive care during the last three months of Cleo’s illness. They were wonderful to both Cleo and her family! The family desires memorial donations be made to South Sound Alzheimer Council, PMB 405, 3701 Pacific Avenue SE, Olympia, WA 98501 or Hampton Alzheimer Special Care, 1400 Trosper Rd. SW, Tumwater, WA 98512. Please leave memories of Cleo or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.