Verneal R. Laster
March 25, 1925 - May 18, 2009
MISHAWAKA - Verneal R. Laster, 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 Vlad Sorokin; as well as her five great-grandchildren, Camryn and Alexis Raab of Edwardsburg, Michigan, 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, in Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola. Pastor Dave Stauffer will conduct the 3:00 p.m. funeral service at New Life Baptist Church in Osceola on Friday, May 22, 2009. Interment will follow at 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 to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.chapelhillmemorial.com.