Verna A Torneden, 71, Lawrence left this world very suddenly. But not without leaving a huge impact on many people’s lives.
Verna in her spare time enjoyed crocheting and knitting. In fact in one year she made over nearly 60 afghans for a very dear friend. She loved and cherished her family very much. In fact she enjoyed the holidays when everyone was together. Verna loved fishing but in most recent years was unable to go. Verna also enjoyed driving around with her daughters and two of her great grandchildren looking at Christmas lights.
Her pride and joy was her grandchildren and great grandchildren. And known commonly know as grammy girl.
She married Ovyd Torneden on July 4, 1968, he preceded her in death in 2003.
She is survived by brother Jim Smith and wife Lois of West Virginia. Two nephews and a niece, Julie Smith. Jason and wife Stacey of Colorado, Justin and wife Courtney of Gardner Kansas. Shelby of Elkhart Kansas. Many great nieces and nephews. Her two daughters and an adopted son. Shanda Torneden {Travis} of Lawrence. Daughter Tammie Torneden-White and husband Fred. Son Michael Althouse Lawrence. Her 6 grandchildren, Christopher White Iola Kansas, Michael White Lawrence, Kansas, Karin Campa Lacygne Kansas. Desiree Tierno Fort Scott Kansas, Ashley White Baldwin, Kansas and Fred White Jr. Eldorado Kansas. Her great grandchildren, Joseph Smith Venice Florida, Donna Smith Westplains, Missouri, Christopher White Jr. Alyssa White and Dereck White all of Iola, Kansas. Dustie and Erick Rousch White of North Carolina, Tristan Straube and Serenity Newman of Lawrence, Kansas Rebecca and William White of Joplin Missouri. Jasper Holland Lawrence Kansas. And many other children who called her “grandma”.
She is gone but never forgotten. She truly left a legacy behind.
Graveside services for Verna will be 1 pm, Saturday, December 7, 2019, at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Douglas County.
A Visitation will be Friday, December 6, 2019, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home from 6:30-7:30 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, sent in care of the funeral home.
Tammie and Shanda, I am so very sorry for your loss of your Mom…I just now (today Dec 31st) found out. I do not take the paper so missed it. I so remember you and your Mom coming for our fresh veggies, especially our tomatoes…She loved them so much. God Bless you all…
Tammie and Shanda, so sorry to hear of you lost. It was nice to see Verna several months ago and catch up on life a bit. There are many kids that had a better life because of her. I know she will be missed.
Though your life on earth was short. You truly were my hero. The way you always smiled in adversity. I know daddy was so happy to see you come through the gates of heaven. I want to take this time to thank you. Thank you for an awesome childhood. Thank you for all your and trying to protect us. You taught me and Shanda unconditional love. You taught us the value of a dollar. You taught us how to be strong and how to work for what we want. The only thing that you didnt teach us is how to live without you. But don’t worry about us mama sis and I have each other. Until we all meet in heaven, remember that always and forever we love you. Tammie
Mama it’s still hard to believe you’re gone. I know the angels were singing when you entered heaven. Now you can be reunited with all your loved ones that passed before you. I hope you know just much I loved you. Memories of you will never fade in my mind. You will always be with me, watching over me and giving me comfort when I miss you the most. Since I didnt get to tell you the morning you left, I LOVE YOU MAMA. You will never be forgotten. Shandy
Shanda, and Tammie, I was saddened to read about your mom. I always enjoyed visiting with her and Elsie when I delivered propane way back in the day. One good thing, she is now with your dad. I miss Leroy as well. Back in the day, when my dad was ill with cancer, Ovid called my mom and offered to stay with my dad, if we needed a break. Mighty thoughtful. They were good people. You are in our thoughts and prayers, god bless all of you.
Shanda and Tammie you know your Mom and Dad are looking out for you. They both loved you so much. She could be cranky sometimes but she always wanted the best for you two in life. Sometimes she’d call me ti vent but she always told me she loved you both. I’m proud to say i got to know the whole family and even thou she was only 5 yrs. Older than me she consider me one of the kids and jump my butt
If she thought i needed it. Ilive you two dearly and hope you know you can talk to me anytime of the day
So many memories of Verna loading up her car taking kids to Sunday School, of asking her pastor to sing He’s Alive every Easter. Welcome to Heaven dear Verna.
Shanda and family, I am so sorry for the passing of your mother. I will keep you in my prayers.
Dear Shanda & Tammie-I am so very sorry for your loss. Your mom was very special and will be watching over you. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. Love you both.
Tammie and Shanda I am so sad that your mother passed . I know she is with your father , Grandma Else and Grandpa Bill. They will watch over you two till the Lord is ready for you . I know your hearts are heavy with grief right now but every day life will be easier. I am here when you need me. Love you two very much.