Verla H. Corno

Verla H. Corno, beloved wife of Gene (Edward E.) Corno, professor of art (ret.) of Tempe, AZ, died on April 19, 2007 at the Hospice of the Valley in Tempe. Born on Jan. 3, 1922 in Valley City, North Dakota, Verla was eldest daughter to Philip D. and Lillian C. Hornbacher. Verla graduated high school at age 16, attended Valley City State Teachers College in North Dakota, and was employed in Chicago, Illinois before moving to Tempe, AZ in the 1940s. While working as an office manager at the Publicity Office at Arizona State University, Verla met and later married their student photographer, Gene Corno. In addition to her later work at the ASU Alumni Office and in real estate, Verla was an avid golfer from an avid golfing family. She gave many volunteer hours through the years to her golfing communities in Mesa and Flagstaff, AZ; St. Augustine's Episcopal Church in Tempe, AZ; her children's activities, and events at Mesa Community College and Arizona State University. Following her retirement, Verla enjoyed crossword puzzles, bridge, and her grandchildren, Vincent Hayden Corno, William Fairfax Herbert, Jr., and Leigh Carter Herbert. Verla is survived by Gene, her husband of 59 years; her three children, Lyn Corno Herbert (of Sherborn, MA); David G. and Philip D. Corno (both of Tempe, AZ); her grandchildren already mentioned, and her five siblings, Eldon Hornbacher, Kay Offerdahl, Phyllis Moum (of Mesa, AZ), Lyle Hornbacher, and Norma Highlander. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation in Verla's memory be sent to the Alzheimer's Association or the Hospice of the Valley. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 27, 2007 at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, 1735 S. College Avenue, Tempe, AZ.