Verna Irene Clatt

God accepted another loving soul into his arms during the early morning hours of February 9, 2024. Verna Irene (Gorsage) Clatt quietly passed away in her sleep at Manor Court, Peoria, IL after recently celebrating her 94th birthday on December 30, 2023.
Verna was born to Ralph and Lillian (Peterschmidt) Gorsage in Fort Madison, IA in 1929 while visiting family for the Christmas holiday that year. The family returned to Peoria where she was raised and educated at St. Mary's Catholic School and the Academy of Our Lady. There she made many lifelong friends. In 1953 Verna married Eugene "Doc" Clatt at St. Mary Cathedral on a hot July 4th day. Doc preceded her in death on April 29, 1996. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Denise Marie, on April 1, 1972 and her brother Thomas (Elizabeth) Gorsage.
She was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church in East Peoria for many years before moving to Peoria where she attended St. Vincent de Paul until her health would not allow her to attend mass. Verna worked several jobs over the years but retired after many years of devout loyalty to the late Dr. Theresa Falcon Cullinan, whom she considered family.
Verna never knew a stranger and had many friends. She will be remembered for her devout fierceness and loyalty to them and her family. Her religion was her life and she prayed for everyone and everything. Thought her body and mind were tired, Verna never lost her faith. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched.
Survivors include two children: Cyndee (Chester) Riggin of Champaign and Jay (Lori) Clatt of Peoria; four grandchildren: Stephanie Denise and Shannon Marie of Champaign, Ryan (Amanda) Clatt of Peoria and MacKenzie of Bartonville; step granddaughter Robin Kellerstrass of California; two great-grandchildren: Avery Kay of Champaign and Kash of Bartonville; four step-grandchildren: Zynphany, Astrid, Dakota and Zxander; Jan Powers and Linda Hascall of Champaign, her son in law's sisters, whom she loved as her own; as well as three nephews Steve, Rick, and Timothy Gorsage.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A private family memorial mass will be held at a later date, and following mass Verna will be laid to rest with her husband and daughter in Fon Du Lac Cemetery.
Preferred memorials in Verna's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Friends and family are encouraged to log onto www.wrightandsalmon.com to sign the online guestbook, submit photos and share Verna's memorial page via social media.
Cremation and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Wright & Salmon Mortuary. (309-688-4441)