Verna Nitsch

Verna Lee Nitsch, 80, of Jackson passed away Friday, Dec. 9, 2005, at her home.

She was born on June 9, 1925, at Cape Girardeau, daughter of the late Monroe E. and Anna Reeker Gartung.

She and Milton Nitsch were married April 30, 1950, at Zion Methodist Church in Gordonville.

Verna was raised near Whitewater. She was a graduate of Delta High School and a former member of Zion United Methodist Church in Gordonville. When she and Milton were married, she transferred her membership to New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson.

She worked at the former Montgomery Ward Department Store in Cape Girardeau. After marriage, she became a homemaker and a devoted mother to their daughters.

The couple farmed east of Jackson and co-owned the Brennecke Chevrolet dealership in Jackson from 1985 to 1991.

Verna was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Jackson. She was a past president and was currently serving as the membership chairman and treasurer.

She had received a service award for volunteer work at the Missouri Veterans Home, where she especially liked helping with bingo.

She also volunteered for the American Red Cross, was a member of the SEMO Boosters Club and enjoyed attending baseball and basketball games.

Loving survivors include three daughters and sons-in-law, Cindy and Keith Raganyi, Lynette and Jay Moore, Rhonda and Brandon Norman, all of Jackson; a brother, Clemon Gartung of Jackson; three grandchildren, Landry Moore, Randa and Bryce Norman; and two stepgrandchildren, Jacob Raganyi and Faith Linkogel.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Debra Jean Nitsch, and two sisters, Marie Hartman and Erma Faye Gartung.

Friends may call Sunday, Dec. 11, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.

Funeral service will be held Monday, Dec. 12, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. John Rice officiating.

Interment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to New McKendree United Methodist Church, Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis or Southeast Hospice.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.