Sheila Ray Verhey

Sheila Ray Verhey, 89. longtime Royal Slope farm matriarch and co-founder of Verhey's Peaches, passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on April 14, 1936, in Wenatchee, Washington, Sheila moved with her family to Yakima at age 12. She attended St. Joseph's Academy prep school, where she would meet her future husband, Dan Verhey, a student at neighboring Marquette High School. After Dan completed his tour of duty in Korea, they married and moved to Pullman to begin their family. Following Dan's graduation from Washington State University, he took a job as a teacher at Royal High School, where, with Sheila’s support, he launched the athletic program and was the first athletic director and first coach of football and wrestling. The family settled in Royal City, which barely existed at the time, and soon established their family farm north of town.

When Sheila was 33, she and Dan planted the orchard that would become Verhey's Peaches, a beloved local institution. She delighted in welcoming and visiting with customers. Her kitchen was a gathering place where she spent countless hours prepping food and canning peaches with friends and family. She found joy in quilting, sewing, and especially her knitting group, and in reading good books and spending time with her family.

Those who knew Sheila remember her as patient, kind, and generous – qualities she demonstrated even while raising seven children. She took care of everyone who came her way, and truly was a peach of a lady. She was known for taking time to listen carefully and for the deep, supportive friendships she nurtured throughout her life. Her spirit and kindness serve as an inspiration to all who knew her.

Sheila is survived by her children Steve (Denise), John (Sylvia), Peter (Colleen), Patrick (Tracy), Heather, and Daniel (Jennifer); her brother Jack and sister Stefani; her grandchildren McDarra, Molly, Robyn, Angie, Justin, Dashiell, Braden and Micah; and 10 great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband Dan, her son Paul and her sister Sonia.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Royal City at 1 pm on Saturday, Dec. 13, followed by a reception.