Verna V. Mackey

Verna Vernetta Mackey of McCook passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at Hillcrest Nursing Home.

Verna recently celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends. She was born on July 4, 1914 on the family farm in Red Willow County, Nebraska to parents Fred and Mattie (Simmerman) Traphagan. She graduated from Red Willow High School in 1932.

On July 4, 1934, she was united in marriage to Edward Sidney “Bud” Mackey. They made their home on a farm Northeast of McCook where they raised their three children Neva, Jim and Julie. They would remain on the farm where Verna was a busy home maker and mother. In 1981 they retired and moved to McCook.

Verna was a member of the Memorial United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and spent countless hours volunteering at the Helping Hands Thrift Shop. She was also a member of the Better Aims County Club which was a group of neighbor ladies that got together for fellowship and quilt making. Her other interests included gardening, crocheting, cooking and sewing. Her life centered on her children and grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Bud Mackey; her parents, Fred and Mattie Traphagan; son-on-law, Bob Korell; two great-grandsons, Jesse Korell and Brandon Messersmith and two great-granddaughters, Holly Messersmith and Isabella Pena; sister, Dorothy Bortner; brothers, Marvin and Henry Traphagan; sister-in-law, Emma Mae Doyle; and brothers-in-law, Warren Mackey and Woodson Mackey.

Survivors include her three children, Neva Jane Korell of Culbertson, Jim Mackey of Steamboat Springs, CO and Julie Gentry of Omaha; brother, Elwood E. Traphagan and wife, Irene, of McCook; sister, Faye Korell of McCook; nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren with three more soon to be born; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.

Memorials may be given in her name.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 25, 2014 from 1-8:00 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 26, 2014, 10:30 a.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook with Pastor Alisa Parde officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.