Verna Calkins

Verna was born August 22, 1934, in Poughkeepsie, Arkansas, the daughter of Hugh and Artie (Anderson) Smith. She graduated from Poughkeepsie High School with the Class of 1954. Verna married Clinton Calkins on January 27, 1955, in Kechi, Kansas. They moved to Nebraska in 1975 with Clinton’s job at J.M. McDonald Company. Verna was a floral artist and enjoyed spending time in nature. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church where she volunteered leading the funeral lunches and was part of the UMC Christian Women’s Club.

Verna is survived by her husband of 69 years, Clinton Calkins of Hastings; children, Paul (Lourella) Calkins of Wichita, KS, Marla (Bill) Biggs, and Janna (Chris) Johnson all of Hastings, NE; grandchildren, Nick (Kaleigh) Johnson of Kearney, NE, Kathryn (Nathan) Olson, Sam (Becca) Johnson all of Hastings, NE; great-grandchildren, Carter, Hudson, Ryleigh, Madelyn, Connor, Scotlyn, Natalie, and Carson; brother, Wilson (Martha) Smith of Denver, CO; along with her family at the Homestead.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters; and three brothers.

Memorial Service will be 11:00 am, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Grace United Methodist Church with Pastor Ben Hanne officiating. Inurnment will be at the Grace United Methodist Church Columbarium. DeWitt Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting her family with arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to Grace United Methodist Church for the Columbarium or St. Croix Hospice.

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