Mrs. Vera Mae Kuster

Vera Mae Kuster, 87, of Persia, died Dec. 5 at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha.

Funeral service was held December 9 at 10:30 a.m. at the Persia Methodist Church with Rev. Orris Drake officiating. Honorary bearers were Four County Players and Wives, Craig and Terri Daringer, Alden and Ella Stamp, Veral and Dorothy Smith, Ken and Norma Perrin, all students and friends. Casket bearers were Dale Jensen, Greg Roecker, Tom Nelson, Robert Stuhr, Brent Daringer and Chad Plambeck. Final resting place was Valley View Cemetery in Persia.

Vera was born June 29, 1919 in Persia to Gladys Elizabeth (Evans) Chambers and Joseph Albert Chambers. She attended school in Persia, graduating with the Class of 1937. She received her training to be a teacher and began her career in country school.She married Edwin Kuster on Aug. 2, 1941. To this union four children were born, Garyld, Cheryl, LaRae and a stillborn infant son.

Vera shared her talent of teaching with many students, later their children and even a few of their grandchildren in the Persia School District and then Tri Center. She continued teaching until her health forced her into early retirement. This extra time, although a blow to Vera, allowed her more time for Vera, Edwin and LaRae to spend the winter months in southern Texas. While living in Texas she joined the Texas Rhythm Ramblers as a piano player, giving many hours of entertainment and joy to all. She also spent many hours making tapes and sharing them with family and friends. After her husband died in 1993, Vera and LaRae spent a few more winters in Texas before selling their home there and remaining in Persia year round. Most recently she joined the Four County Players and spent many afternoons at area nursing homes, retirement centers and different events in Southwest Iowa.

She was preceded in death by husband Edwin Kuster, son Garyld Edwin Kuster and an infant son.

Survivors include daughters Cheryl Olsberg of Omaha, Neb., and LaRae Kuster of Persia; granddaughters Kerri Christie and Ryndee (Kirk) Ryan, both of Omaha; four great-grandchildren, other family and many friends.

The Pauley Funeral Home in Harlan was in charge of the arrangements.