Verneal R. Laster, age 84 of Mishawaka, Indiana died peacefully, of natural causes, in her home surrounded by her family on Monday afternoon, May 18, 2009.
Verneal was born on March 25, 1925 in Thayer, Missouri to Clarence and Edith (Risner) Russell. Her parents preceded her in death, as well as her brother, Bob Russell. She is survived by her brothers Olen (Euda) Russell of Thayer, Missouri; James (Helen) Russell of Mammoth Springs, Arkansas, Bill (Marie) Russell of Thayer, Missouri, and Phillip (Sue) Russell of Kansas City, Kansas.
On August 25, 1949, she married Wilburn Earl Laster. He survives along with their children Sue (Art) Leinen of Edwardsburg, MI and Jerry (Kathy) Laster of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Verneal is also survived by her six grandchildren; Kim (Chris) Raab of Edwardsburg, Michigan, Chip (Virginia) Leinen and Patrick (Dianna) Leinen of South Bend, Indiana, Kristen Laster of Charlottesville, Virginia, Kyle and Keith Laster of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and by her five great-grandchildren, Camryn and Alexis Raab of Edwardsburg, Michigan, and Sam, Charlie and Max Leinen of South Bend, Indiana. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who called her "Aunt Neal".
Visitation will be held from 4-8 pm Thursday, May 21, 2009 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola. Pastor Dave Stauffer will conduct the 3:00 pm funeral service at New Life Baptist Church in Osceola on Friday, May 22, 2009. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
Verneal spent her life caring for those around her. In her early married life, she was consumed by raising her children into successful adults. As her children were growing into early adulthood, she started working in the kitchen at Penn High School where she continued to work for 22 years until her retirement in 1989. She enjoyed cooking for her family, and no one will be able to replace the love she put into her cooking. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and could always be seen at their sporting activities, cheering them on. She lovingly made beautiful quilts that have become priceless treasures to her family. Verneal was also called "Angel" by those who knew and loved her. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Verneal was a member of New Life Baptist Church and previously Twin City Baptist Church. Her love of the Bible, Gospel Music, and her Church could be seen in all of her loving actions. In her memory, contributions may be made to New Life Baptist Church or the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care.
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