Verda Esther Stafford

Verda Esther Stafford, age 103, Maryville, Missouri, formerly of Savannah, Missouri died Monday, September 17, 2012 at St. Francis Hospital, Maryville.

She was born February 19, 1909 at West Plains, Missouri, the daughter of the late S.B. (Samuel) and Ethel I. Smith Frey.

Verda was united in marriage to Ernest L. Stafford, December 26, 1930 in Skidmore, Missouri.  He preceded her in death in January of 1975.  Others preceding her in death were two brothers S.E. and Carl Turpin Jr., sister Lou Ella Mitchell and her step-father Carl A. Turpin, Sr.

She was a graduate of Ordway High School, Ordway, Colorado and Northwest Missouri State Teachers College receiving a B.S. in Elementary Education. Her teaching career spanned 38 years in both Nodaway and Andrew County Schools. 

Verda taught piano lessons and served as an accompanist on many occasions.

Her memberships include:  Savannah First Christian Church, Order of the Eastern Star, Savannah Retired Teachers, Sew More Quilters Club, all of Savannah and the Missouri Retired Teachers Association.

Survivors include a brother William (Chris) A. Turpin, Springfield, Missouri; sister Mary (Wayne) Sharp, Skidmore, Missouri; nieces, nephews; great nieces and great nephews; and a host of friends that brought great enjoyment during her one hundred plus years of life.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 PM, Thursday, September 20, in Miriam Cemetery, Maryville under the direction of Price Funeral Home, Maryville.

http://www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com, Maryville, Missouri