Verneda Fark

Verneda Fark, age 101, of St. Marys, Ohio, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Van Crest of St. Marys. She was born on November 21, 1922, in Auglaize County to the late Emil and Ella (Schmedt) Schwabero. In a loving union that lasted 60 years, she married Vernon John Fark on June 8, 1946, who preceded her in death on October 24, 2006.

Verneda is survived by her children: John (Estelle) Fark of Marion, Ohio; Steven (Cheryl) Fark of Jackson Center; and Joyce Ann Keller of Dayton. She also leaves behind five cherished grandchildren, Tracy (Tarek) El-Masri, Jevon (Jessica) Fark, Jesse (Kelly) Fark, Thaddeus (Ron) Fark and Amanda (Tom) Snyder; and eight adored great-grandchildren, Nuri and Amira El-Masri, Griffin and Jasper Fark, Lauren, Nolan and Anderson Fark, and Evelyn Snyder. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Mark Keller, and her twin brothers, Roger (Betty) Schwabero and Richard (Lucille) Schwabero.

A proud graduate of New Knoxville High School in 1940, Verneda continued her education at the Lima Memorial School of Nursing, graduating in 1943. She dedicated her career to nursing, retiring in 1986 as a registered nurse from Joint Township District Memorial Hospital in St. Marys, where she served since its founding in 1953.

Verneda was a devoted member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in St. Marys, actively participating in the women's guild, Rebecca Circle, choir, and teaching Sunday school. Her spirit of service extended beyond the church; she enjoyed her role as a 4-H adviser and camp nurse. A lover of life, Verneda cherished traveling, playing cards, gardening, fishing, and creating lasting memories with her family during gatherings and attending her grandchildren’s school and college activities.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in St. Marys, with Rev. Rhonda Hainer officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the service at the church. Following the service, graveside services will be held at German Protestant Cemetery in New Bremen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ Organ Restoration Fund.

The family of Verneda Fark wishes to express their gratitude to Cisco Funeral Homes of Celina & St. Marys for their compassionate care. To pay respects and leave online condolences or share memories, please visit www.ciscofuneralhome.com or the Cisco Funeral Home Facebook page.