Verla M. Skees

Verla M. Skees, age 81, of Monmouth, Ill., passed away at 9:10 p.m. on Sunday, February 14, 2010, at her residence. On August 30, 1928, Verla was born in Alexis, Ill., the daughter of George L. and Arlie Mae Smith Sharp. Reared and educated in Alexis until the age of 9, Verla moved to Monmouth and attended Monmouth Schools. On March 21, 1943, Verla married Bruce W. Skees in Kohoka, Mo. He preceded her death on March 21, 1989. Verla was a homemaker and enjoyed her family, yard work and gardening, back yard sales and dancing. For a time she worked as a cook at the Hedrick's Cafe and Park 'N Eat. She later worked at Western Stoneware for 25 years. After she retired she worked for Western Illinois Home Health as a care giver Verla was happiest when she was helping others. She was a member of the V.F.W. Post 2301 Auxiliary, the American Legion Post 136 Auxiliary, a charter member of the Monmouth Eagles Aerie 3478 and the Monmouth Hospital Auxiliary. Surviving are six daughters, Joan (Gary) Cochran of Oquawka, Ill., Diana Narmi of Monmouth, Sharon Kelley of Alexis, Patricia (Pete) Robertson, Jacqueline (Gary) Icenogle and Leila (Jim) Sloan all of Monmouth, two sons Bruce Skees of Coon Rapids, Minn. and Donald "Pete" (Penny) Skees of Monmouth. Also surviving are 24 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren, brother Merrill E. Sharp in California and special friends Christa Scholtz, Mary Dowell and Mary Bruce all of Monmouth. Preceding are her parents, husband, one grandson, Thomas Calvin Chenault, Jr., two sisters and two brothers. Services:A graveside service with interment will be at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 18, 2010, in the Monmouth Cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday, February 17 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth where her family will be present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A memorial fund is being established for the V.F.W. Auxiliary.