Born and raised on a farm in Minnesota, of German and English ancestry, Verlie learned how to work hard. She excelled in school and had many good friends. She always chose to do what was right under all circumstances and couldn't understand why anyone would ever choose to do wrong - ever. She was a very good girl, pleasant to be around, and a joy to her parents and family.
After high school, she went to Seattle, Washington and worked at a coffee shop where her older sister was also working. It was while working at the coffee shop after World War II that a tall, good-looking flyboy began sitting at her table - more and more frequently. She finally accepted a date, but refused his offer of marriage. But, his persistence finally won her heart. It was a wonderful marriage that lasted decades and produced two beautiful children, a girl and a boy.
Although their son never married or had any children, he became a fine young man, worked hard, and completely took care of his mother in her final years. Their daughter married and had five beautiful children who totally loved their grandparents. Verlie loved her grandchildren. They were her joy. She made cakes and cookies every week for them. She invited them individually over to spend the night at the grandparent's. The grandchildren looked forward to those nights they were able to spend at their grandparent's house and be completely spoiled. Grandma Verlie always made their favorite dish for dinner. Then they would go grocery shopping and the grandchild would be able to pick out their favorite cold cereal to take home because their mom and dad never bought cold cereal. Then they would go to McDonald's to get a Happy Meal. It was Grandma Verlie who organized these sleep-overs and made sure every grandchild always felt special.
Grandma Verlie also made every birthday and holiday special for her family and grandchildren. They loved going to Grandma's and Grandpa's for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, and especially birthdays. Grandpa was the best when it came time for him to celebrate his birthday. He would wear a small, pointed cap that had "Birthday Boy" written on it and would act so silly that the kids were rolling on the floor with laughter and delight. Grandma Verlie took pictures of every occasion and created very, very special memories for all her grandchildren. She made them all feel so special. The 30 plus photo albums she created of her grandchildren have become priceless treasures to the family.
Verlie loved all of her family. She called her parents in Minnesota every week. She traveled once a year back to her childhood home to see all her family. She always sent Christmas Cards and special notes and letters to her family. She loved them very much and they loved her. She was quiet and reserved - her husband being the opposite, very much the life of the party. But, everyone knew from where her husband received his strength. Verlie was forever faithful and supportive of her husband. With her beside him, he was able to become the great man that he did. They were a wonderful team. Never a cross word was spoken between them.
During her later years, she was plagued with lupus which took its toll on her health and strength. She continued doing everything she could for her family. Her family loved her to the end, and continue loving her even after she is gone. She was a pillar of strength and a great example to all her family. Her family was everything to her and she was everything to them. She is greatly missed and adored by her family, children, grandchildren, and friends. She was also the greatest mother-in-law any man could ever hope for.