Verda Werner

Verda L. Werner – age 86, of Victoria, Kansas passed peacefully on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Via Christi Village Care Center, Hays, Kansas. Verda was born August 4, 1937, in rural Victoria, the fourth of seven children to Simon and Ida (Ubert) Goetz. Verda grew up on the farm sharing many adventures with her siblings. She graduated from Victoria High School in 1955 and received her degree in Elementary Education from Fort Hays State University.

 Upon graduation, Verda taught for one year in Damar and then moved to Brewster. While teaching there, Verda met and fell in love with Ivan Werner. They were married on June 18, 1960 at St. Fidelis Church in Victoria. Verda and Ivan began their married life in Brewster and then moved to Manhattan. Victoria became their home in 1970 and Verda started teaching at Victoria Elementary School. She faithfully devoted 27 years to her students, retiring in 1997. Verda remained involved in school activities and served as an editor for the Alumni newsletter. She enjoyed staying in touch with former students and meeting regularly with the retired teachers group. Verda felt honored to be inducted into the Victoria Alumni Association Hall of Fame on September 16, 2023.

Verda’s deep devotion to her faith was an example to those who knew her. She was a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis where she served as Lector, Commentator, Eucharistic Minister, and member of the funeral dinner committee. Verda enjoyed singing with the St. Fidelis Choir and belonging to the Christian Mothers and Daughters of Isabella for 25 years.

Verda dedicated her life to her family and was happiest when spending time with them. She was an excellent cook and lovingly prepared countless delicious meals for family and friends. Verda was also a talented seamstress and following retirement, she began quilting. She enjoyed the camaraderie of the quilting community and made many quilts to donate. Her family, including extended members, treasure the quilts she designed uniquely for each person.

Verda’s other interests included flower gardening, traveling, and watching a variety of sporting events, especially when her children or grandchildren were participating.

Verda is survived by her husband, Ivan Werner, of the home; her children, Rhonda Fionda and husband, David, Chattanooga, TN; Patti Woschitz and husband, Dan, Bethlehem, GA; Mike Werner and wife, Katie, Leawood, KS; her brothers, Ronald Goetz, Hays, KS; Frank Goetz and Cam Mahaffey, Denver, CO; her sister, Sharon Merrick and husband, Frank, Oviedo, FL; her brother-in-law, Bill Meyers, Overland Park, KS; her grandchildren, Beth Darguin (Andre); Allie Hudson (Blake); Nick Fionda (Rachel); Luke Woschitz; Jill Woschitz; her great grandchildren, Leslie Spearman; Lane Hudson; Maya Darguin; Miles Darguin; her nieces and nephews; and other extended family.

Verda was preceded in death by her parents, Simon and Ida Goetz; her sisters, Alma Meyers; Norma Huffman and Richard; Berniece Bushman and Dennis, and her sister-in-law, Diane Werner.

Verda will be missed for her sense of humor, her gracious hospitality, her servant heart, and her loving spirit.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 9, 2024, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas with celebrant, Father John Schmeidler.

A vigil service and rosary by the St. Fidelis Christian Mothers will be at 6:30 P.M. Friday, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:30 P.M. Friday, and from 10:00 to 11:00 A M. Saturday at The Basilica of St. Fidelis.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials made payable to: Victoria Community Coalition/St. John’s Place or        The Basilica of St. Fidelis in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.

Condolences can be sent via e-mail to clineschapels@gmail.com or on Verda’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com