Vernita Bles

KELSO, Mo. -- Vernita Marie Bles, 81, of Kelso died Thursday, Oct. 3, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Aug. 20, 1921, at Kelso, daughter of John William and Clara Mary Seyer Compass. She and George Sylvester Bles were married April 30, 1946, at Kelso.

Bles was a lifelong resident of Kelso. She was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and its St. Ann's Sodality and Quilting Circle.

Survivors include her husband; two sons, Francis Bles of Kelso, Dennis Bles of Cape Girardeau; two daughters, Mary Ann Ostendorf of Cape Girardeau, Jane Rumping of Festus, Mo.; a sister, Emma Scherer of Kelso; 14 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, a brother and a grandson.

Friends may call at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Parish prayers will be at 5:30 and Knights of Columbus service at 5:45.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Augustine Church, with the Rev. Oliver Clavin officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.