Mariam Vertrees

Mariam Michal Vertrees (Cole), age 59 of Nampa, transitioned into heaven on Friday, April 5, 2013. She was born to George Newt Cole and Elsie Pugh on July 29, 1953 in Sallisaw, OK. Mariam graduated from Caldwell High School in 1971. She earned her Associate of Arts in Fashion Merchandising from Boise State University. In 1974, she married Stephen Vertrees and had two daughters, Tawna and Stephanie. She was currently working at Idaho Correctional Corporation of America as the warehouse supervisor. Mariam was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, wife, aunt and friend. She had a special way of creating a personal connection with everyone she met. A “mother at heart” she was always nurturing and helping people who needed a mother’s touch. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, reading and being outdoors. Mariam is proceeded in death by her parents, Herman “Red” Pugh (step-father), Barbara (Sister) and Johnny Fields (Brother-in-Law). Mariam is survived by her daughters, Tawna Dwyer (Michael) and Stephanie Vertrees; grandchildren, Aidan, Kiera and Clare Dwyer; ex-husband, Stephen Vertrees; brother, Archie Cole (Carol); sisters, Sharon Haskell (David), Patricia Dill, and Georgia Sue Crosslin, and several special nieces and nephews. Mariam had only requested a party in her honor for one occasion— her transition into heaven. In honoring her request the family has opted to plan a Celebration of Her Life Party for July 21 at 3:00 pm at Fr. Kirk Center—Blessed Sacrament in Ontario, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to her grandchildren's school: St. Peter Catholic School 98 SW 9th St, Ontario, OR 97914. Phone: 541-889-7363 Service Information