Vera Jean Hinkle

Vera Jean Hinkle, once referred to as "Miss Westwood" by Cicincinnati Magazine, died Thursday, July 2nd at Mason Christian Village.
Mrs. Hinkle was the youngest of five children of the late Herman and Elizabeth Guckenberger, one of Westwood's original families. While Vera Jean moved around quite a bit when she married and her children were young, she came home to Cincinnati in 1962 and lived here until her death.

She was best known for her angelic singing voice and her love of the community she called home. She was a champion for Westwood, serving many years in the Westwood Civic Association with her late brother, Carl (Bud) Guckenberger. She made it her cause to ensure that the history of Westwood and the need for progress were equally balanced.

While she spent a good part of her life raising her two children (Bernie Hinkle and Lois Hinkle-Coleman), her love of Westwood eventually led her to career in Real Estate beginning in 1979. She was an agent with Duffy Real Estate, which later became a part of Coldwell Banker. Her specialty was Westwood homes, as she knew most of the people in the community. She continued in real estate for 25 years, earning a place in the Cincinnati Board of Realtors Million Dollar Club in 1987. She always said "I don't sell houses, I find people homes."

Vera Jean's other great love was music. A coloratura soprano, she played the lead roles in many Western Hills High School musicals. She attended the Conservatory of Music, and was active in the music sorority Delta Omicron and The Clifton Music Club. She was the soprano soloist at Westwood United Methodist Church for many, many years. She continued to be part of that church's choir until 2007, when she moved to Mason Christian Village to be closer to her daughter.

Mrs. Hinkle had never lived anywhere except Westwood, until her marriage in 1945. She always said that leaving that home was one of the hardest things that she ever did. However, her music and her strong family ties served her well in the frequent moves during that part of her life. She learned how to meet new people and make them feel like family. Her favorite poem was one that reflected that sentiment. It was how she lived, and how she wanted to be remembered.

I've found it always fun,
To find the best in everyone...
It's like a game you learn to play,
And prizes come most every day.
So next time when you don't feel good
And folks don't seem to say the things they should...
Don't you be nasty and unfair,
Start looking for the good-it's there.
You'll find this game just never ends,
And best of all...
You've made new friends.

Mrs. Hinkle is survived by her two children and their spouses Bernie and Connie Hinkle and Pete and Lois Coleman. She had five grandchildren: Chad, Joshua and Lindsay Hinkle and Peter and "Tiff" Coleman. She is also survived by a sister, Alma Berghausen and a dear lifelong friend, Joan Bonnert. In the true Guckenberger tradition, a Celebration of Life Reunion memorial service will be held at Westwood United Methodist Church on Saturday, July 11th at 11am. Memorial gifts are suggested to the music program at Peaslee Neighborhood Center, 215 East 14th St. Cincinnati 45202 or Omni Works Music, 8484 Waters Edge Dr., Florence KY 41042