Obituary of DeAnna Vollmer

DeAnna Vollmer passed away April 13, 2017 with grace and dignity as only DeAnna could. She had complications from ovarian cancer and was at home during her final days with her husband and family by her side. DeAnna was born November 7, 1943 in Twin Falls, Idaho to LaVern and Alda Strong and has two siblings, Harvey Strong and VerNalda Powell. She grew up at Crystal Springs Orchard ranch in the canyon between Filer and Buhl along the Snake River. She attended schools in Filer and Twin Falls, married Doug Vollmer, May 11, 1959 (Oh, yes, they married way too young and she wouldn't recommend it for her children or grandchildren, but it worked for Doug and DeAnna, 57 years together!) While Doug was in the Army, they lived in Georgia, Washington and California. Then they came back "home" to Twin Falls in 1973 with their three children: Kent, Scott and Cherie. They opened American Real Estate & Appraisal in July, 1973 where DeAnna was the office manager and Realtor. She was active with her family as a Blue Bird Leader, Cub Scout Leader/Den Mother, and cheered from the bleachers at baseball, softball, swimming, soccer and track games. She was a Board member of: YWCA, PTA, Jaycettes, Toastmistress, Parliamentary Procedure, Hospital Auxiliary, Blue Lakes Country Club and Ladies Golf. Growing up, she helped in the orchards and packing shed selling cherries, peaches, apples and all fruit at Crystal Springs Orchard. 4-H was an important activity (sewing & cooking). Learning all the aspects of farming and ranching, it was a common site jumping in the front or back of the pickup with her Dad and dogs to load the picked fruit or to irrigate the trees or hay, or to round up cattle. A tom-boy then, but learning a lot of good lessons in life. Animals have always been a big part of the family, sometimes dogs, cats, raccoons, hamsters, fish, turtles, horses, chickens, rabbits, and calves. Also, welcomed extended family included many "stay over" and just "hang out" kids, friends and relatives. It was never dull. While hosting a backyard BBQ for her grandson's 4-H pig, even the fire department came! She enjoyed traveling all over the world with family, mother, sister and husband. She and Doug would take long walks to the movie theaters often. Exercise was important to her at the Y and Gold's Gym. Golf was a big part of extra activities. She and Doug were Chairmen of the Couples Invitational at Blue Lakes Country Club for over 30 years. They traveled with friends to golf courses all over the USA and Canada. The highlight of the year was preparing for the Christmas Open House at their home for 40 years. Doug set the outside with lights and characters, DeAnna the inside with Christmas decor with the assistance of Judi Rayborn. It grew from a handful of clients to over 250 friends and family they worked with. Friends were a very important part of their life. They hosted their family Christmas Eve dinner and gathering for over 35 family and friends each year for 37+ years. Those were special times for Doug and DeAnna and the whole community. She liked the outdoors, family camping, working in the yard, planting flowers at home, office and apartment buildings. She liked sewing. Many good times with family and friends were when they played board games (Trivia, etc.) and card games (Bridge, Pinochle, Hearts, Canasta). She made time to connect with ladies at lunch. The computer was a big part of her day (emails, office forms, high school reunion memory books). It was common to receive a personalized card from DeAnna, one that she created on the computer. She was beside Doug in their real estate and appraisal business, his Realtor and appraisal activities, his political appointments at state level, city council, Mayor of Twin Falls, Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations. They renovated many homes in the Magic Valley. They took pride in homes and offices to look their best. DeAnna's mother, Alda Strong, and Doug were Realtors since 1964. Both of DeAnna's sons, Kent and Scott, are in real estate and appraisal in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Cherie in Boise, Idaho. DeAnna is preceded in passing by her parents, LaVern and Alda Strong. She is survived by her husband, Doug of 57 years of marriage; her children, Bryan Kent (Terri) Vollmer, Las Vegas, NV; Scott Douglas (Lisa) Vollmer, Las Vegas; Cherie LaRee Davis, Boise, Idaho; grandchildren Brandon (Jamie) Vollmer, Kimberly, Idaho; Curtis Vollmer, Utah; Cierra Vollmer, Las Vegas; Brianna Vollmer, Katy, Texas; Bailey Davis, Katy, Texas; and step-grandchildren Lexi (Trevor) Baker, Jake Seeley, Josh Seeley, Jazmin Morgan, all of Las Vegas; two great grandchildren, Maddison Vollmer and Hailey Vollmer; brother Harvey Strong, Thousand Oaks, California; and sister VerNalda Powell, Pensacola, Florida. Also, there are several very special cousins, nieces, nephews and in- laws. Viewing for DeAnna will be held on Wednesday, April 19 from 5-7PM at Rosenau Funeral Home. Funeral services will held at 3:00PM on Thursday, April 20 at the Twin Falls Reformed Church. Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com. The family suggests that memorials be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Twin Falls.