On January 20, 1941, Verla was married in Fremont to Charles 'Willis' Reed. Following his military service, they lived in Hooper for 10 years where Willis operated a shoe repair shop. Then they moved back to Fremont and Verla worked out of her home as a seamstress, doing custom sewing. Verla went to work for Walgreen's in Fremont for the next 10 years, and she started their cosmetics department.
Verla was a member of Salem Lutheran Church. She had served as treasurer of their WELCA (Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). She had also been secretary of Naomi Circle. She was a 'Life' member of the Northside PTA and Past President of the Fremont PTA Council. She was Past President of the BPO Does (Elks). Verla was a member and Past Worthy Matron of Hooper's Friendship Chapter 122 Order of Eastern Star, and she was a past Grand Representative. She had been active in Sat-Ra Temple Daughters of the Nile of Omaha. She also had been secretary of the board of the Fremont Senior Center, and was a member of the Center's Red Hats.
Verla was preceded in death by her husband Willis in April of 1999, and by 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
Survivors: daughter - Andrea Carpenter of Hooper
son - Jerry and wife Joan Reed of Omaha
4 grandchildren
several great grandchildren
The funeral service will be 1 PM Friday (July 11th) in Salem Lutheran Church with Vicar Diana Kuhl officiating. The committal will follow in Memorial Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Friendship Chapter 122 Order of Eastern Star of Hooper.
Visitation will be on Thursday at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel from 3 to 8 PM. An Eastern Star Service, open to the public, will be at 7 PM Thursday at the mortuary.
Condolences(8)
Kathy Hartmann
Fremont, NE Monday, July 21, 2008 I have respected and loved Verla for many years. I considered her my adopted Star mom and would have done anything she wanted and she was always there for me. I enjoyed her conversations and she had the patience in helping me learn a new stitch for an afghan. I will always remember her. God Bless you Andi, Brian and Melissa as you are such a caring family.Brian Nelson
Eugene, OR Friday, July 18, 2008 My two brothers and I visited them back in the mid 80's. My mother, Judi Nelson (Martin) - her niece, coordinated with Verla and Willis the trip for us. My brothers and I were in high school at the time. We stayed with them and visited many places back in Nebraska. I have very fond memories of that trip as well as the people we got to meet. I am especially thankful to Verla and Willis for making our time with them so enjoyable and letting us be a part of their lives even if it was for such a short period of time in the grand scale of things. I send a special thanks for their having enriched my life with those experiences. I'll remember them always.Judi Nelson
Cottage Grove, OR Friday, July 18, 2008 Even though we lived so far apart, I miss Verla a lot already. She was such an integrated part of our lives via our letters and I would call her off and on. She was a special Aunt and I will remember Verla, her characteristics and special ways fondly for the rest of my life.Nancy (Nace Nicholson) Hopp
Lincoln, NE Saturday, July 12, 2008 Andi, I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. I have so many fond memories of her from when I came to your house, from Walgreen's, when we got our dachshound from you, and many more. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.alberta martens
fremont, ne Saturday, July 12, 2008Bob Hoffman
Rohnert Park, CA Thursday, July 10, 2008 Verla and Willis were very kind to me while I was growing up in Fremont back in the 40's and 50's. Almost like a second family. I am very sorry to hear of her passing. I'll miss those Christmas cards every year. They were kind of a connection for me to folks and places that had a very special place in my life.Jessica Hitchler
, Wednesday, July 9, 2008 My grandparents live next door to Verla. I remember she was always a very active woman and always said hi to my brother and me. I remember thinking, "Wow, I hope I'm that active at her age!" I also remember her dog Scamper. My grandparents' won't be the same without her next door. She was a great woman and will truly be missed.Debra Hitchler
Fremont, NE Wednesday, July 9, 2008 I lived next door to Willis & Verla for 22 years, until my marriage. My parents still live next door. As a child, I spent a lot of time with Verla having heart-to-heart talks - I knew she was always there when I needed someone to talk to and just listen. She was a wonderfully vibrant woman and very active in her community until just recently when her health started to fail. I will miss seeing her outside, whether it be puttering in her yard and garden or just enjoying the outdoors. She had a wonderful laugh and I will miss that very much. Rest in peace Verla - my family loved you and will miss you!