VERNA LANDIS DEAD AT 100

By B. Ray Owen

Verna Lee Landis, 100, who served in Cape Girardeau city government more than a half century, died at the Chateau Girardeau Health Center here Friday.

Landis, who was known to many people in city government circles, spent 57 years in city offices, 37 of them as city clerk before she retired in March 1985.

"She was one of the finest city employees we ever had," said A.M. Spradling, a Cape Girardeau attorney. "She was city clerk here when I was state's attorney during the late 1940s and early 1950s."

That would have been shortly after Landis assumed duties as city clerk.

She started working for the city in 1929 as a deputy city clerk and collector. She became city clerk in 1948.

"She was great," said Spradling. "She was truly a wonderful person."

John Blue agreed.

Blue, who is retired as managing editor of the Southeast Missourian newspaper, covered city hall while Landis was there.

"She was always courteous, kind and helpful," Blue said. "Everyone knew her and liked her. She was able to help carry the office for years and years."

"She was always prompt with agendas and up on her minutes. She never faltered in serving the city of Cape," he said. "In addition, she helped people at the counter. She was a lady all the way through."

Landis observed her 100th birthday June 12 at Chateau Girardeau.

Landis was on the job when the old Lorimier School building was converted into City Hall.

Although Landis usually had a finger on the pulse of Cape Girardeau municipal workers, the City Council surprised her on a December day in 1974.

The council coordinated a special observance ceremony of her then 45 years of service, presenting her with a white orchid corsage. When Landis resigned on March 28, 1985, it was with little fanfare.

People who knew Landis said she liked people and enjoyed meeting them. She did a lot of jobs.

Landis served as a volunteer at Southeast Missouri Hospital, she was involved in the Executive Club and Southeast Missouri Hospital Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Historical Association of Greater Cape Girardeau, and she was member of the member of the Centenary Methodist Church.

She was fondly known as "Sis" to her friends and associates.

Survivors include cousins Wilma Neal of Cape Girardeau, Helen Deal of Sikeston, Mo., and Mike Clippard of Dexter, Mo.

Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Lorimier Cemetery, with the Rev. James Sanderson and the Rev. Clayton Smith officiating. There will be no visitation.