Obituary: Vernette Neva

Vernette Neva

Vernette Frances Neva, 96, of rural Kensal, N.D., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, peacefully at her home with family by her side.

A visitation will be Tues., Nov. 21, 2023, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary Service at 6:45 p.m., and a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m., all at St. John's Catholic Church, Kensal.

Vernette's Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., at St. John's Catholic Church, Kensal, with Father Pfau officiating. Kathy Johnson will be organist. Her burial will be at the St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Kensal.

Honorary pallbearers were all of Vernette's grandchildren: Steve, Sara, Amy, Heidi, Brandon, Brian, Stephanie, Chelsey, Tara, Tyler, Kelly, Dionne, Bret, Nick, Sadie, Tate, Evan, Justine, Sydney, Shawn and Rayann.

Born on April 3, 1927, to Kenneth and Antonia (Schindele) Schultz of Tolna, N.D., Vernette was the eldest of ten children. She graduated from Tolna High School in 1945 and received her teaching certificate from Valley City State College. She taught at a country school near Tolna.

Vernette married Duane Neva of Kensal, N.D., on June 9, 1948, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Tolna. They made their home in rural Kensal, where they farmed and raised dairy cattle. They were blessed to have shared 68 years together before Duane's passing in November 2016.

She dedicated her life to being a wife and a mother. With nine daughters to keep her busy, she also enjoyed gardening, oil painting, and traveling the country with her husband. She was known for her love of books and music. Any song with a lively, peppy beat would often result in a dance.

She loved and enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Although not being sports minded, she was always at our games and activities. Her family and friends will miss her quick-wit and spirited good nature.

As an active member of St. John's Catholic Church in Kensal, she loved to serve and praise our Lord. Vernette was a member of the Altar Society, taught Sunday school classes, sang in the choir, and played the church organ for many years. She was also involved in the community as a 4-H leader, a member of the Kensal Kozy K's homemakers club and helped Duane with their Neva Tree Farm.

Vernette is survived by her nine daughters: Annette (Chuck) Lochow, Russell, Ken.; Jeanette (Allen) Hill, Alexandria, Minn.; Julie (Ray) Neva-Ressin, Denver, Colo.; Francine (Brad) Turner, Miltona, Minn.; Rosalie (Jaime) Schlecht, Wimbledon, N.D.; Colette (Paul) Wolf, Kensal; Sheila (Neil) Johnston, Courtenay, N.D.; Rhoda (Cory) Stangeland, Kensal; and Jill (Todd) Borth, Garrison, N.D. She is also survived by 21 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; brothers: Gerald Schultz, James (Teddy) Schultz, and Robert (Kathy) Schultz; sisters: Joan (Gene) Krei and Shirley Schultz; brother-in-law Jim (Sharon) Neva; sister-in-law Janice (Buck) Buchholz; and many nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her husband Duane; parents; infant grandchild, Brent Turner and infant great-grandchild, Catherine Pautsch; brothers: Marvin Schultz, Donald (Luann) Schultz and Bruce (MaryLu) Schultz; infant sister, Lois Ann and sisters-in-law, Cerese Schultz and Helen (Robert) Timm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. John's Cemetery, Home on the Range or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, Carrington and New Rockford, N.D.