Veneda Fae Pearson

Venda F. Pearson, of Farmington, New Mexico passed away on Monday, June 22, 2026, with family around her. She was born January 10, 1929 in Callaway, Nebraska to Almer and Alma Westman and lived a very full life of 97 years.

Growing up on a farm in the Sand Hills of Nebraska, Veneda helped her father raise her younger brother when their mother passed at an early age. She first met Donald E. Pearson in grade school. Years later they were reintroduced and married on October 13, 1946 in Arnold, NE. They celebrated 71 years of marriage. She was most proud of raising their four daughters together while passing on her wisdom, skills and appreciation for order, life and beauty.

Veneda enjoyed continual learning, and developed many self-taught skills including baking, gardening, interior design, painting, sewing, upholstery, and wall-papering. She was a wonderful hostess for family and friends. The family was always ready to take a trip, whether out for a picnic, to family reunions in Nebraska, or a Sunday drive with a stop for ice cream.

While raising her family, Veneda obtained a General Education Degree and Associate’s Degree in Education from San Juan College, a Bachelor’s Degree from Fort Lewis College, and went on to obtain her Master’s Degree in Education from New Mexico State University. She taught fourth grade at Mesa Verde Elementary School and Adult Basic Education at San Juan College.

During Don’s 22 years of working with Schlumberger Oilfield Services, the family moved to Sidney, NE, Cody, WY, Rock Springs, WY and then settled in Farmington, NM in 1967. In 1977 she joined Don in founding Southwest Geophysical Services, a wireline logging and surveying business which they owned and operated for 27 years. They both retired in 2004.

Veneda enjoyed playing Scrabble, reading and reciting poetry and watching birds. She developed her artistic interest in oil and watercolor painting by taking art lessons at San Juan College and joining the local artist group, known as the “LL’s.” Of them she wrote, “We built lasting friendships through the joy and excitement of learning together.” She and Don traveled with her artist friends to Alaska, Amsterdam, Chicago, Maui and Paris. Veneda also painted with the Plein Air Painters of the Four Corners. She was a long time member of Emmanual Baptist Church.

Veneda was preceded in death by her husband Donald E. Pearson, daughter Phyllis F. Henrie and son-in-law Richard A. Nelson.

Veneda is survived by her daughters: Donna (Ed) Shuler of Placentia, CA; Kathleen Nelson of Farmington, NM and Deborah (Paul) Atkins of Victor, ID; one grandson, four granddaughters, three great grandsons and six great granddaughters. She was also a role model to many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 211 W. 20th St. in Farmington. Pastor David Brittain will be officiating. Veneda’s ashes will be laid to rest during a private burial at Greenlawn Cemetery in Farmington.

Memorial donations may be made in Veneda’s memory to a church or art group of your choice. Her care is entrusted to Farmington Funeral Home, 2111 W. Apache St., Farmington, NM, 505-325-2211. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at www.FarmingtonFuneral.com