SALEM - Anna Vija Veronika Murkskis Grins, 94, of Columbiana, passed away Monday afternoon, May 16 at Essex II of Salem with her daughter by her side. Veronika was born on January 31, 1922, in Gulbene, Latvia, a daughter of Gustav and Anna Murkskis. She lived in the Kurzeme region at Ilmaja Stacija, and went to school at Skrotas Skola. She graduated high school with a major in animal husbandry and married Maksis Grins September 8, 1940. Daughter Aija was born May 28, 1943, and later that year the three of them escaped the war in Latvia and traveled to West Germany. Daughter Inta was born July 9, 1946. When Latvia was overtaken by Communists, the family acquired immigration sponsorship by the Howard Holloway family in Fairfield township, Ohio, USA in 1949. They acquired their U.S. citizenship in 1954. Veronika raised her two daughters, and later would work as office secretary and assistant for Daniel Salchow, DDS, in Columbiana for 15 years. She was a talented artist who enjoyed painting and drawing for her family. She also enjoyed her flower garden. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband Maksis, her daughter Aija Grins Arums of Kalamazoo, MI and her daughter Inta Grins of Lisbon; two grandchildren Karina and Erik; and three great-grandchildren Kristina, Sarma and Martin. Veronika was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Valeska in Latvia and her son-in-law Valdis Arums in Michigan. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 21 at Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home, 154 S. Elm Street, Columbiana with Margers Grins, and Pastor Doug DeMar officiating. Visiting hours will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm., with the service at the funeral home at 1:00 pm followed by a procession to the cemetery. Interment to follow at Firestone Cemetery in Columbiana. The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in Columbiana, Ohio with the arrangements for their loved one. Family and friends are invited to visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to sign the guestbook or send private condolences.