Verna [Cowles] McKeeman 1917-2011

COWLES, MCKEEMAN, WOODRUFF, BENZ, MISENHEIMER

Posted By: Curtis (email)
Date: 12/16/2011 at 12:28:30

DEATH NOTICE:

(The Leon Journal-Reporter Leon, Iowa November 9, 2011)

McKEEMAN, Verna [Cowles], 94, formerly of Leon, Iowa, died Sunday, November 6, 2011 in Atchison, Kansas. Services are pending through Slade-O'Donnell Funeral Home of Leon, Iowa.

DEATH NOTICE:

(The Leon Journal-Reporter Leon, Iowa November 16, 2011)

McKEEMAN, Verna, 94, of Atichison, Kansas and and formerly of Leon, Iowa, died on Sunday, November 6, 2011. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 10, 2011 at New Salem Baptist Church, south of Leon, with Pastor David Shriver officiating. Burial was in New Salem Cemetery. Arrangements were through Slade-O'Donnell Funeral Home of Leon, Iowa.

Memorials may be give to New Salem Baptist Church.

Obituary -

(The Leon Journal-Reporter Leon, Iowa November 16, 2011)

VERNA McKEEMAN ... Verna McKeeman, age 94 of Atchison, Kansas and formerly of Leon, Iowa, was called to be with her Lord on Sunday, November 6, 2011. Verna was born July 27, 1917 near Davis City, Iowa to Clifford and Gracie Cowles. Verna attended Davis City High School and graduated in 1935.

Verna married Ray McKeeman on February 24, 1936 at the home of her parents. Verna and Ray celebrated 63 years together, until he preceded her in death on May 17, 1999.

Verna and Ray moved to Gering, Nebraska, where they farmed and dairied for 36 years. Verna was active in the dairy operation and knew all 102 cows by name.

In June 1952 after a long-awaited phone call, daughter Vicki came into their lives, the day before Vicki's first birthday.

In 1972 Verna and Ray retired to town. In 1987 they moved to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico and moved to Leon in 1997.

Verna had been active in her life with 4-H, where she was a leader for 25 years. She was also active in local neighborhood clubs and a member of the Nebraska State Extension Council. She loved to sew, crochet afghans, and garden. After retirement, she and Ray particularly loved having their granddaughters come to visit, giving of themselves and their country values to enhance the girls' lives.

Verna loved people and had a way that she touched many hearts with her smile.

She was a member of the New Salem Baptist Church.

Verna was also preceded in death by her parents, and siblings Vera Vandel and Dale Cowles.

Survivors include daughter Vicki Woodruff and husband Billy of White Cloud, Kansas; granddaughters Tara Benz of Kansas city, Missouri and Traci Benz of Plattsburg, Missouri; step-grandson Nathan Woodruff of Falls city, Nebraska; step-granddaughter Brandi Misenheimer and husband Nick of Hiawatha, Kansas; one great grandson, Tristan Benz, of Plattsburg; four step-great grandchildren: Phoenix, Branson, Kennidi, and Christian; Becky Bankert of St. Joe, Missouri, a good friend but always referred to as her adopted granddaughter; and many other relatives and friends.