Verna was one of seven children born to Elmer and Margaret Theaker in Provost, Alta where she was raised and attended school. She had an incredible work ethic that she learned at a very young age.
Verna was married to Bryce Mailer on June 2, 1950. A marriage that lasted 66 years until Bryce’s passing in 2016. They made their home on a ranch south of Gadsby, Alta. where they raised their eight children: Bev, Robyn, Rodney, Byron, Karen, Lewis, Maureen and John.
Verna loved being a mother and was a very creative person in many ways. She was a talented seamstress and was always creating beautiful items in her sewing room for friends and family.
Verna enjoyed having a big garden and often did lots of canning. She enjoyed her time outside and always had a beautiful yard and immaculate flower beds.
Verna’s home was always open and welcoming; hether she was hosting large family reunions, family holiday meals or just visits from friends and neighbours.
She really loved being part of the community and thoroughly enjoyed her time operating Verna’s Western Wear and interacting with so many people.
After moving into Stettler in 1997 Verna spent a large part of her time volunteering with various organizations and was awarded Stettler’s Citizen of the Year in 2008.
Verna is survived by her loving family, son: Bev (Sherry) Mailer of Leslieville, his daughter Charla (Todd) and children ~ Rhealee, Karson and Kolby; Sherry’s daughters Randelle (Kit) and Marissa (Shane); daughter: Robyn (Barry) Rock of Water Valley, their children: Kyle (Tabatha), her children ~ Taylor and Kayla; Elysa (Dayne) and children ~ Sawyer and Sophia; Karen (Steven) and children ~ Kassie and Maddie; Carmen and children ~ Jorja, Nate and Katie; son: Byron (Maureen) Mailer of Stettler, children: Jessica (Bill) and children ~ Calder, Quade and Otto; and son Grant (Miranda) and daughter ~ Harlow; son: Lewis (Vicki Mills) of Stettler, his children: Matt, Luke and son Coy, Amy and Erin (Kyle); Vicki’s daughter MacKenzie; daughter-in-law: Cathy Mailer of Stettler, children: Ryan (Sherri) and children ~ Joshua, Molly and Piper; Marsha (Ryan) and children ~ Emma and Connor.
Also, sister Joan Hochhausen of Wetaskiwin; sister-in-law Shirley Mailer of Didsbury; brother-in-law Jack Clipperton of Calgary; many nieces and nephews and lots of other relatives and dear friends.
Verna is predeceased by her husband Bryce and children Rod, Karen, Maureen, John, daughter-in-law Joyce and grandchildren Terra and Kristin; and brother and sisters and in-laws.
A celebration of Verna’s life was held on Sun. Dec. 18, 2022 at Stettler Funeral Home, Stettler, Alta.
Verna was laid to rest beside her loving husband at Omega Cemetery, Gadsby, Alta.
To send condolences to the family, please visit www.stettlerfuneralhome.com.
Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium were entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements, 403-742-3422.