Jill Anna Nordquist/Bergren/Vedros' Obituary
Jill was born to hard working parents Ruby and Clay Nordquist. She grew up in University Place, Washington with her older siblings Wally and Gail (Learned). In her youth, Jill fostered many friendships that would ultimately endure her entire life. Jill’s childhood was defined by family, friends, and fun. She garnered a reputation as stylish, always voted “best dressed” throughout her high school years.
After high school, Jill devoted her life to raising her own family. She constantly demonstrated grace, humility, and patience when raising her sons Tyson and Bryce. Her devotion was unwavering, and she provided them with incredible love and support throughout her life.
She was an incredibly devoted mother, and eventually, grandmother. She loved her grandkids deeply and enjoyed “spoiling” them with activities and experiences–focusing on providing more memories than material things–although she was known to randomly gift knick knacks that somehow always seemed to be exactly what you didn’t know that you needed.
Jill was an amazing cook whose creativity in the kitchen was unmatched. She could create a pasta dish out of a scantily stocked pantry that would make you think you were on the Mediterranean Coast.
Jill had a knack for style and decorating. Her holiday tables looked like they were from a magazine, her Christmas trees were legendary, her gift wrapping always amazing. She was always classy but never pretentious. She always found a way to be stylish–but never materialistic. She could care less about name brands or “fancy” things.
After the birth of Bryce, Jill developed what would become a lifelong passion: Running and Fitness. She quickly went from jogging around the block to completing 5Ks, 10Ks, and Marathons. She finished countless Marathons throughout her running career. While she also dabbled in Aerobics, Weight Training, Cycling, and Triathlons, running remained a constant throughout her life.
Jill placed great value on living a fulfilling, simple life. A good day was defined by her morning coffee, a good run, a few hours of work where she was always surrounded by her friends, then happy hour and a light dinner with family or friends.
Later in life Jill married Ralph Vedros. In their 23 years together they packed in a lifetime of adventures, but were always rooted in the simple lifestyle that Jill adored: Travel, bike rides throughout the Northwest (often completing 100+ mile rides), Marathons and Running Relays, and practicing Pilates were just some of the things that they enjoyed doing throughout their time together. More recently, they also became avid golfers.
Jill is survived by her husband Ralph, sons Tyson (Angel) and Bryce (Melissa), and grandchildren Hailey (Jacob), Payton, Haley, Kelsey, Zach, and Colbie, her sister Gail Learned (Mark), and so many friends that she considered family. She was preceded in death by her parents Ruby and Clay Nordquist, and her brother Wally Nordquist.
A celebration of life will be held at Sehmel Homestead Park Pavilion on December 16, 2023 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.
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