Veda Ellen Balcom Egbert

On November 4th 2017 - Veda, beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and dear friend to many - left this life after 100 years of love, joy, hard work and achievement.

This world has lost a charming … and often feisty … soul who still lives in the hearts and minds of all who knew her.

Veda’s parents were Frank and Marie Balcom. They had a farm in Crystal Cove, Washington near the town of Peach and Fort Spokane.

Fort Spokane was founded in the fall of 1880 as Camp Spokane. It was renamed Fort Spokane in 1882. At the start of the Spanish–American War in 1898 the fort was turned over to the Coleville Indian Agency.

On July 22, 1917, a doctor from the fort came to the Balcom farm house to deliver Veda.

Veda, and her older brother Kenny began their elementary school education in Peach.

In the early 1920’s, Veda’s family moved to Spokane Valley, Washington with her new, younger Brother, Bud.

Veda grew up with 4 rough and ready brothers – Kenny, Bud, Tuffy and Bobby.

Her only sister, Claudia, is 16 years younger than Veda.

At an early age, Veda developed an independent personality, a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Veda lived the first 95 years of her life in the State of Washington. She married Harold Egbert, since deceased, in 1939.

In 1947, Harold worked for the Washington State Game Department. The family moved often and in 1948 they settled in Richland.

Harold worked for the Post Office and Veda raised 3 boys … Jim, Larry & Hal. She was a Cub Scout den mother. She also earned extra money for the family by cutting hair and ironing clothes.

In 1952, Harold and Veda moved from Richland to a small farm in Kiona.

As her sons became older, Veda recognized an unmet need: she opened and operated a feed store. A little later she expanded the business to include a flower shop and became a full-service florist.

As an active member of the community, she served as a member of the Kiona-Benton City School Board.

Harold and Veda were displaced when the state widened the US-12 highway in front of the house to eventually become I-87.

They moved everything to a new location. Veda created the Kiona Village Community - a mobile home and recreational vehicle park. She owned and operated Kiona Village for a number of years.

After their retirement, Harold and Veda lived in Moses Lake and eventually returned to Spokane Valley where both Harold and Veda grew up, met, married and started a family.

In July 2012, on her way back from her Granddaughter Laura’s Alaska wedding, she decided she wanted to move to Colorado Springs. She had family in town and she wanted to live near them.

Veda is survived by her sons Jim and Hal Egbert; her brother Bobby Balcom and sister Claudia Sexton; and her daughters-in-law Marlis Egbert, Mary Ann Egbert and Alice Soma.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Aaron Egbert, Janet Egbert Soma Weston, Michelle Egbert Martinez, Julie Soma, Keri Egbert Burns, Jessica Egbert Miller, Todd Egbert, John Egbert and Laura Egbert Mosher.

Her great grandchildren are: Coby Weston, Rachael Martinez, Gabe Martinez, Jonah Weston, Abby Burns, Sarah Egbert, Alexa Martinez, Nathan Burns, Greg Egbert, Christopher Martinez, Trent Burns, Ben Egbert, Tim Egbert, Kate Egbert, Savannah Mosher and Colton Mosher.

Veda was preceded in death by her husband Harold Egbert; son Larry Egbert; father Frank Balcom; mother Marie Balcom; brothers Kenny Balcom, Bud (Clifford) Balcom, and Tuffy (Alvin) Balcom; and great grandson Jimmy Burns.

On November 17th a second memorial service and internment will be held at Pines Cemetery in Spokane Valley, Washington with the rest of her family and friends

 Service Information