Verna L. Gerber

Funeral Services for Verna L. Gerber, 96 of Aledo, are Thursday at 11:00 AM at Speer Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Aledo Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Mercer County Animal Shelter. Verna died Monday at Trinity, Rock Island.

Verna Lenore was born on January 25, 1922 in Aledo, Illinois to Estel & Ethel (Scranton) French. She was the Valedictorian of the 1940 graduating class of Aledo High School. Verna attended Graceland and Marycrest to receive her teaching degree. She married H. M. “Mike” Gerber on August 31, 1947 in Joy, Illinois. He preceded her in death in 2005.

Verna taught 3rd and 4th grades from 1958 through 1988. She began her career in Keithsburg, moving on to Ohio Grove, Marston and Apollo Elementary, from where she retired. She was an avid antique collector, enjoying flea markets and yard sales. Verna loved classical piano music and playing her piano.

Verna is survived by her son and daughter-in-law: Kent & Connie Gerber of Aledo; Grandchildren and families: Traci & Donnie Yates and son, Kyle of New Boston; Jon Gerber and Kathy Marlow and children: Sage, Jayden & Sydney of Geneseo; and Brian & Kayde Gerber and daughters, Karlee & Tinlee of Aledo. She was preceded in death by her husband and a daughter and son-in-law: Kimberley and Alfred Wilcox.