Mona J Vinson

Mona Jean Vinson, born August 1929, passed peacefully in her sleep on September 4, 2026, following complications from congestive heart failure. Born in rural South Dakota, Mona lived around the Dakotas and Washington state before moving to Sun City, AZ, and finally to Overland Park, KS. She was born to Orville and Emily Fetherhuff, and grew up with sister Joyce. After graduating from Leola High School in 1947, she married her first husband, Harlow Sanderson, and had two sons, Jerry and Steve. With her second husband, Keith Blessum, she raised two children, son Scott and daughter Doreen. She later happily married her last husband Al Vinson until his death.

Mona found work, purpose, and pleasure in her art. She began working professionally in the 1960s as a photo color artist for studios. In 1978, she began working in oils, but found lifelong joy in painting watercolors, which she produced and sold for decades. She even took commissions from friends and neighbors up to her final years. She was a signature member of the Eastern Washington Watercolor Society, and received the Judge’s Choice purple ribbon in the All Sun City show in 2001.

Mona loved a fierce game of cards or a good karaoke session with friends, and was always up for a visit to Panda Express.

She is survived by her four children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in passing by her parents, sister, and husbands.

Mona lived a wonderful life and will leave many lasting memories with family and friends. 

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