Randall N Vertrees Obituary (2023)

Randall "Randy" N. Vertrees, age 50, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2023, at Cottage in the Meadow, with his wife, Stephanni, by his side. Randy was born on May 6, 1973, in Blythe, California, to Edgar and Diana Vertrees, and has one brother, Edgar "Ron" Vertrees. Randy grew up in Oregon, but also lived in Arizona, Vegas, California, eventually settling in Yakima, Washington. Randys father tragically passed away in 1986, which greatly affected him and his brother and their lives. Randy was an active kid. He loved to skateboard and ride his bike. In his teen years, he enjoyed bodyboarding and loved listening to music. While dealing with chronic pain, which limited him in a lot of his passions, he never stopped pursuing his passions. In the early 90s he moved to Yakima, Washington, where he met the love of his life, Stephanni Williams. They were married on May 18, 1996. Randy and Stephanni moved to Tacoma, Washington in 2000. Randy and his wife lived a relatively happy life there, until circumstances changed. They eventually moved back to Yakima in 2012. Randy continued to pursue his passions and hobbies. Randy was passionate about singing and playing guitar. He enjoyed taking long drives, watching the sunsets, and listening to music. The ocean was soothing for Randy. He also enjoyed riding dirt bikes and tinkered around with vintage cars, especially his Chevy Impala. Randy loved bass fishing in various lakes in the Tacoma and Yakima areas. Randy was a jokester and prankster. He was known as the "fun uncle," as he would always be pranking his nieces and nephews with a mask, or whatever else he would come up with. He was fun-loving and endearing to everyone he met. Randy was a big teddy bear and always made people laugh. In February 2020, Randy and his wife were devastated to learn that he had stage four liver cancer, that would forever change their lives. Randy and Stephanni fought hard and travelled to Seattle for treatments. He qualified for a trial medication, which kept him stable for two and a half years. In those travels for treatments in Seattle, they made the best of a difficult situation, finding new places and adventures, and making memories along the way. In November 2022, his cancer metastasized to his bone, and the trial ended. He began treatment at NorthStar, but as his health rapidly declined, he never lost hope. After months of traveling and treatment, he got weaker, lost his ability to eat, and eventually lost the ability to walk on his own. At that point, they made the difficult decision that Randy needed hospice care. He was taken to Cottage in the Meadow on July 22, 2023. He was lovingly cared for, until his last breath on August 2, 2023. He was surrounded by family and friends that came to visit, even when he was unable to speak. Throughout his whole cancer journey, Randy was very brave and remained positive and strong in his faith. Randy is survived by his wife of 27 years, Stephanni Vertrees, mother, Diana Vertrees, both of Moxee, brother, Edgar "Ron" (Vicki) Vertrees, of Selah, mother-in-law, Premetra Williams, of Moxee, sisters-in-law, Tasha Williams, of Spokane, and Jeanene (Damon) Smith, of Yakima, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Edgar "Butch" Vertrees (November 1986), daughter, Sadie (1998), son, Nicholas (2012), and father-in-law, Ernie Williams (2004). A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 1:00pm, at East Valley Kingdom Hall (7003 Mieras Rd., Yakima). Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.