Verna Jean Porter

Verna Jean Porter – February 11, 1935 – June 29, 2026

Verna Jean Porter, 91, of Portland, Oregon, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, of natural causes. Born on February 11, 1935, in Velva, North Dakota, Verna lived a life defined by compassion, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to the people she loved and the causes she believed in. Verna grew up in North Dakota alongside her siblings before marrying Ed Heppner in 1955 and making the move to Silverton, Oregon, where she started her family and welcomed two children, Gregg and Caryn. After her first marriage ended, Verna found a lifelong partner in Robert S. Porter, and together they built a rich and adventurous life. Verna dedicated her career to geriatric nursing, spending many years at Rose Villa, where she cared for elderly residents with the warmth and attentiveness that came so naturally to her. Her work at the bedside deepened into something larger when she became involved in advocating for nurses on a political level, fighting for equity in pay and working conditions. She also became a passionate public advocate for the elderly, lending her voice to numerous campaigns with the Democratic Party, a role she carried with great pride. She was even featured in political ads from time to time, something her family loved to remind her about. Beyond her professional life, Verna was an adventurer at heart. She and Bob traveled to China as representatives of a Nurses Association, rode horseback through the stunning Wallowa Mountains of Eastern Oregon, and spent countless happy days at their beach house on the Long Beach Peninsula, where the grandchildren were always welcome and always entertained. Verna made friends wherever she went and kept them close. She had a strong sense of justice and never shied away from confronting what she felt was wrong. Most of all, she was devoted to her family, cherishing every moment spent helping raise her grandchildren and delighting in meeting her great grandson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert S. Porter; her daughter, Caryn Ruch; and her brother, Fred Bloomquist. She is survived by her son, Gregg Heppner, and her sister, Betty Bloomquist, along with her grandchildren Alison, Rachel, Corey, Michael (deceased), Jessica, Joshua, and great grandson Arlo, all of whom will carry her spirit forward. May she rest now in the peace and grace she so generously shared with others throughout her life. A decision regarding a celebration of Verna's life has not yet been made. Those interested in attending are encouraged to reach out to the family directly.