Verna E. Schwartz

Verna E. Schwartz, age 88, of Merrill, passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2016, at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill, under the care of her loving family, the residence staff, and hospice services. Verna was born May 9, 1928, daughter of the late Harold and Irma (Cummings) Edmund. She married Raymond R. Schwartz, Sr. on August 10, 1946, in Irma. He preceded her in death on December 19, 2015. Verna had been employed for 23 years in the meat department at the former Dave’s Red Owl, Merrill. Verna was an active member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill, and had served as an usher and greeter, and helped at the church’s fair stand. Verna enjoyed sewing, quilting, crafts, and raising flowers. Verna and Ray enjoyed camping in their 5th wheel trailer. They traveled throughout the United States, and spent 23 years wintering in Texas with other family members. Verna and Ray were members of the ‘Valley Bummers’, a camping club that met once a week for 20 years. Verna was a member of the Merrill Lioness Club, and was currently an office in the club. Survivors include three sons, Gary (Mary) Schwartz, Merrill, Randy (Theresa) Schwartz, Cumming, Georgia, and Raymond (Ellie) Schwartz, Jr., Merrill; six grandchildren, Carla Lefeber, Stacy Werner, Lieutenant Colonel Jennifer (David) Sitz, Kelly (Jeff) Stebbeds, Kristin (Sergeant 1st Class Branden) Harland, and Andrew Schwartz; eight great grandchildren, Tyler, Brenden, Madison, Lucas, Wyatt, Henry, Ella, and Phoebe; one sister, Anne (Jerry) Wick, Merrill; and two brothers, Gerald (Emily) Edmund, Merrill, and Donald (Dona) Edmund, Chloride, New Mexico. Besides her husband and parents, Verna is preceded in death by a granddaughter, Sara Elizabeth Schwartz. Verna’s funeral service will begin at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 15, 2016, at Our Saviours Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Philip Schneider will officiate. Burial will follow in Merrill Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Friday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and after 9:30 A.M. Saturday at the church. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com. The Verna Schwartz family wishes to thank the staff of Bell Tower Residence, Merrill, for the exceptional care given to our mother and grandmother.