Verna Lammon

of Aberdeen, formerly of Midland, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, December 21, 2016
in Aberdeen at the age of 96

Verna Rhoda Lammon was born March 13, 1920, in Windom, Minnesota, adopted as an infant by Alfred and Mattie Rhoda of St. Paul, Minnesota. When Verna was four years old her newborn baby brother died, and two days later her father Alfred passed away.

When she was eight years old her mother came to Midland for the summer to work as a housekeeper for William W. Lammon. When it was time to return to St. Paul, Verna didn’t want to leave the ranch. Later on Bill and Mattie were married. She stayed on the ranch and graduated high school in Midland with an offer of a scholarship to the Art Institute in Chicago, but again, she didn’t want to leave the ranch. When she was twenty, Mr. Lammon was going to town the next day to sign papers leaving the ranch to his son, Bill, but unfortunately he died that night.

On New Year’s Day in 1941, Verna was united in marriage to Bill Jr. They moved to Butte, Montana after their marriage. In 1951 they returned to Midland because Bill was hired to run the municipal bar. Sometime later they opened a pool hall which they ran until their retirement.

Verna had many talents including quilting, crocheting, baking, cooking, playing music, and painting. She painted over a hundred paintings some of which were sold at the Wall Drug Store. Many homes in this area have Verna art hanging on the walls. She was featured in a half hour program on KELO Land tv station.

She always had a broad smile, loved people, and had many friendships. She loved her Open Bible Church and was very active in the community. She also loved animals, especially horses.

Survivors include her son, Tom (Joni) Lammon; grandson Bill Lammon and his life partner Tabitha Steuck; step-grandson, Jared Middleton; step-grand-daughter, Alyssa Middleton; great-grandchildren, William Lammon IV, Murphy Lammon, Madison Lammon, and Thomas Lammon; step-great-grandchildren, Jace Kimzey and Laila Middleton; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bill in 1987; her parents; a biological sister, Bea Badouinus; and a brother, Russel Zappa, which she didn’t learn about until she was in her 70’s.

A visitation will be held from 4-7p.m. on Thursday, December 29, at the Open Bible Church in Midland.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 30, at the Open Bible Church.

Interment will be at the Midland Cemetery.

Service Details

VISITATION
Thursday, December 29 - 4-7 p.m.
Open Bible Church
Midland, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICES
Friday, December 30, 2016 - 10:00 a.m.
Open Bible Church
Midland, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Walter Switzer
MUSIC
Marlis Doud - Organist
Joni Lammon - Vocalist
“How Great Thou Art”
Congregational Hymn
“In The Garden”
USHERS
Kory Bierle - Bob Evans
PALLBEARERS
Ernest Nemec - Richard Doud - Keith Hunt
Reuben Vollmer - Billy Markwed - Neil Jones
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Enid Schultz - Joy Jones - Sarah Young
Beth Flom - Kim McComsey - Judy Daly
INTERMENT
Midland Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota

Guest Book

Have so many memories of this wonderful lady and the years she spent in Midland. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
   ~ Marcia Jackson Spearfish,SD (12/28/2016)
I remember cooking Wal-eye with Granma in Auntie Elaine's garage. It was a hot day but we had lots of laughs!! So glad to know you... Sorry Tom and Joni, you were very good to her
   ~ Bob and Helen Jensen Snoqualmie,Wa (12/23/2016)
What a special lady. So sorry for your loss. She and Bill were just two of a kind. Lots of memories living across from that pool hall. They were just plain beautiful people and so sorry for you and your family.
   ~ Marilyn Williams Nettleton Davenport IA (12/29/2016)
What a precious lady. Loved all animals. Always will remember her singing " One Day at a Time."
   ~ Ernie & Laurel Nemec Midland, SD (12/23/2016)
Never got to meet you Verna but heard so many wonderful stories! You were an amazing women from what Jared & Alyssa tod us. I sure admire you. God bless you on your journey..you truest earned your wings!😇
   ~ Rita Zeller Aberdeen, SD (12/23/2016)
We will always remember and be thankful for Verna's loving care of Verona's mother. We send our love and prayers to her family. She was a special and wonderful person.
   ~ Bob & Verona Evans Midland SD (12/26/2016)
Grandma great was always such a joy to be around. From the moment I met her, she made me feel like family. I will cherish the letters we wrote back and forth to one another. She is an inspiration to us all. I will love and miss you forever!
   ~ Rachel Zeller Mukilteo, WA (12/23/2016)
I'll never forget her playing the guitar at the family reunion. I was so impressed! Such a neat lady!
   ~ Rick and Lynda Heggy New Braunfels, Texas (12/25/2016)
Mom Taught me so many important values in life. Honestly, determination, compassion, love, respect, caring, humor and music. All this strictly by example! Her motto had to be "If it seems impossible its just going to take longer.
I just have to say that if Jesus hadn't been born, and had no reason to celebrate his birthday what a pitiful world we would be living in. That is IF we had be allowed to live.

   ~ Tom Lammon 12676 392nd (12/24/2016)
What a wonderful lady. Hugs and prayers
   ~ Kathy Larson LaDue Anamosa, IA (12/23/2016)
I was so sorry to hear of Verna's passing. She was a very talented lady & such a figure of Midland's history. Prayers to her family
   ~ Mary Jo Jones Midland, South Dakota (12/29/2016)
Alyssa your Grandma was a very special person. I did not know her personally but through our conversations I felt that I got to know her. She will live on in your heart forever. Sending prayers & Hugsto you & yourfamily.
   ~ Tammie Schweigert Aberdeen, SD (12/24/2016)

Flowers

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Kim McComsey
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Jerry and Joy Jones and Families
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Ernie and Laurel Nemec
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Shaun, Angel, and Sherrie