Verna Witte

Verna Bertha Witte, 102, of Stover, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Golden Age Living Center in Stover.

Verna was born on April 22, 1924, in Cole Camp, Missouri, a daughter of Carl and Sophia (Mueller) Steffens. She was baptized on July 14, 1924, and confirmed on July 30, 1939, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cole Camp. Her confirmation verse that was chosen was Psalm 23:1: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Verna attended school in Cole Camp through the eighth grade.

On December 5, 1948, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cole Camp, she was united in marriage to Calvin Witte. They shared over fifty-four years of marriage before Calvin preceded her in death on December 28, 2002.

Following her marriage, Verna became a faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stover on January 1, 1949, where she remained devoted to her church family throughout her life. She was an active member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) and found great joy in serving her congregation and community.

Verna was known for her strong work ethic and dedication to her family. She lovingly cared for her home while also helping her husband with the daily work of the family farm. Her hands were rarely idle, and she took pride in providing for those she loved.

A talented homemaker, Verna enjoyed cooking meals for her family, tending her garden, canning the fruits of her labor, and drying apples to share with those she loved. She was especially gifted at quilting and spent many years creating beautiful handmade quilts that became treasured keepsakes for family and friends. Through every stitch and every meal, she prepared, Verna shared her love and care with others.

Above all else, Verna cherished her family. She treasured every opportunity to gather with her children, grandchildren, and loved ones, creating memories that will be carried forward for generations. Her faith, kindness, devotion, and unwavering love for her family will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.

Survivors include three children, Larry Witte (Sue), Darrell Witte (Nancy) and Joyce Witte all of Stover; one sister-in-law, Leona Steffens of Cole Camp; eight grandchildren, Eric Schnirch, Jared Schnirch (Tracy), Carrie Brown (Matt), Josh Witte (Jackie), Lauren Miltenberg (Matt), Chandra Keuhn (David), Andrea Kincaid (Seth), Gwenda Bassett (Damon); twenty-nine great-grandchildren, Donovan, Brandon, Carol, Erica, Zach, Micayla, Olivia, Austina, Justice, Johnny, Lori, Palmer, Truman, Watson, Zane, Kenna, Trace, Liam, Avery, Callen, Ethan, Lydia, Isabella, Adalena, Emma, Hartley, Olive, Auden, and Ivy; fourteen great-great-grandchildren and one on the way; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and many friends.

In addition to both of her parents and her husband she was preceded in death by a daughter and son-in-law, Barb and Gary Schnirch; granddaughter, Amber Witte; two brothers, Emil Steffens and Leonard Steffens.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22, 2026, at the Scrivner-Page-Dady Funeral Home in Stover. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Stover, with burial to follow in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Paul Lutheran Church or the Donor’s Choice.