Verna M. Harder

Verna M. Harder, 86, of Newton passed away peacefully on the evening of Sunday, March 20,2022.

Verna was born Verna Mae Chapple to George Harold Chapple and Anna Mary (Sommerfeld) Chapple on September 18, 1935.  Her parents preceded her in death.  Verna was preceded in death by Carroll L. Harder, her husband of 55 years.  Verna is survived by sons Randy (Lori) and David (Vicki); grandsons Todd (Jaime), Andrew (Lorisa) and Alex; and great grandchildren Austin, Lillian, Sophie, Allison, Addyson, Gemma, and Reese.

Verna grew up attending Gem School just down the road from where she grew up.  She was involved in the Macon 4-H club and later was part of the first group of Gem Go Getters 4-H club.  She attended high school at Hesston Mennonite Academy.  She then attended Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia.  After teachers’ college, she taught at Countryside School between Whitewater, Elbing and Potwin.  This is where she met her husband, Carroll.  They were married on May 4, 1957.

Carroll and Verna were long time active members of Swiss Church in Whitewater which is now Whitewater Community Church.  Verna taught Sunday School and VBS while in high school and later was superintendent of the primary department when she was in college.  While at Swiss Mennonite Church, both Carroll and Verna taught various age groups at many different times.  Ponca Bible Camp was a big part of their lives up until their sons were old enough to attend.  Carroll worked as a counselor and Verna in the kitchen.

Carroll and Verna started Harder Service in the early 1960’s.  The company later became known as Harder Construction.  Verna was the company’s bookkeeper, go-fer, and she put a lot of miles on the trucks she drove.

A family and friends’ visitation will be held on Thursday March 24, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lamb Funeral Home, Whitewater.  Private burial will be held in Green Valley Cemetery, Furley followed by a Celebration of Life service Friday March 25, 2022, at 2 p.m. at the Newton Bible Church, Newton.  The Celebration of Life will be live streamed on www.youtube.com MCTV20LIVE at the time of the service.

Memorial contributions in Verna’s name may be directed to the Ponca Bible Camp or Good Shepherd Hospice.  Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of Verna at www.yazelmeglifh.com.