Verna Della Elder

Verna Elder, age 87, of La Grande, went peacefully home to be with the Lord on December 11, 2007 at her home where she had lived for 63 years, of natural causes. The daughter of Hubert and Edna (Martin) Walters was born on September 24, 1920 in Mendon, Adams County, Illinois. Verna married Verl "Mick" Madison Elder on May 18, 1942 in Lewiston, Idaho.

Verna was a member of Zion Lutheran Church for 60 years, donating her time for many years at the church and also at the Senior Center, serving meals to others. Verna made many beautiful quilts and was well known for her quilt making. She made them not only for her church to donate to Social Services but also for her children and grandchildren. Verna was dedicated in her faith and was a loving wife, homemaker, mother, grandmother, caregiver and friend. Her family will deeply miss her.

Verna was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Mary Landers, granddaughter, Sarah Yackley, two brothers and four sisters. Survivors include her brother, Gene Walters of La Grande; daughters, Patsy Hess of Humboldt, Kansas, Sharon Gerry of Cove, and Becky Yackley of Cypress, California; sons, Jim Hall of Cove and Mike Elder of Portland; thirteen grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 17, 2007 at Hillcrest Cemetery with The Rev. John Schrann of the Zion Lutheran Church officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of Verna Elder to the United Way of Union County, PO Box 862, La Grande. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center.