Verona Florence Herington

Verona Florence Herington, 96, went to join her husband on her birthday, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. She passed away at Living Center West. Services will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories by Pastor Tim Carter and Dr. Forrest Whitlatch with visitation beginning at 3 p.m.

Born Dec. 16, 1916, in Cedar Rapids, Verona was a lifelong Cedar Rapids resident. She was the daughter of Frank and Mary (Barta) Thomas. She attended Harrison Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High and Grant High School.

Verona married Keith Earl Herington Sept. 3, 1936, and they celebrated their 70th anniversary together, before his death in July 2007. They had two children: Sharyl (Kenneth) Achilles, Cedar Rapids and Dohn (Sharon) Herington, Mundelein, Ill.

She has three grandchildren, Mary Hawkins, Marion, Tom (Diane) Achilles, Omaha, Neb., and Marc (Suzanne) Herington, Geneseo, Ill.; five great-grandchildren, Dan (Ashley) Lesieur, New York City, Andy Lesieur, Marion, Elizabeth (Rob) Cooley, Kearney, Neb.and Lindsay and Brooke Herington, Geneseo, Ill.; and one great-great-grandchild, BreAnna Cooley, Kearney, Neb.

Verona was a “stay at home Mom” except during World War II while Keith was in the Navy. Then she worked at Dearborn Brass, Quaker Oats and Iowa Manufacturing.

Verona and Keith were active members of the First Church of the Nazarene. In her younger years, she taught Sunday school, helped in the youth programs, enjoyed decorating the church sanctuary and sending cards to Sunday school and church absentees, all her friends and family.

Verona loved music. She sang and played trumpet in school and encouraged her children and all family members to play instruments and to appreciate music.

Preceding her in death were her husband; her parents; her sister, Ida Howell; and niece, Marilyn Beltran.

The family would like to thank John, Wishni, Mattea, Yarma, Amanda, Ashley, Lisa, Andrea and all the staff at Living Center West for their kindness and loving care. We also want to thank Jean and Casey for their guidance, patience and help.

Instead of flowers, the family would prefer memorials be sent to First Church of the Nazarene.

Online condolences may be directed to www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Dec. 19, 2012.