Verna Rumburg, 85, of Wooster, Ohio, died at her home on Friday, March 15 following a recent illness.
Verna was born on Nov. 19, 1938 to John and Ethel Jeffries, joining her brothers, Dick and Harold. A proud farm girl who learned to drive trucks and tractors across the fields of Holmes County at a young age, she graduated from Big Prairie Lakeville High School before moving to Wooster as a young business school student. A graduate of Wooster Business College, Verna excelled as an administrative assistant, putting her typing and shorthand skills to work, all the while keeping a variety of bosses on point. She served primarily the Wooster Guidance Center, the Wooster City Schools and the OARDC across the course of her professional career.
On May 4, 1963, Verna married Al Rumburg at Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Wooster. They celebrated their nuptials by traveling to the Smoky Mountains, sightseeing along the way. They eventually found a rolling plot of land outside of Wooster, built their home together, and raised three children, Greg, Kim and Jonathan. Of Verna’s many successes, being a working mom was her most proud accomplishment.
A lifelong Christian, Verna came to faith in the Methodist tradition before eventually joining Central Christian. There she served as a children’s nursery teacher, a deaconess, a deacon and the funny girl of the Fellowship class, not to mention her kindred spirits, the Sister Chicks. But mostly Verna was known as “Trouble” around the congregation, her sarcastic wit and charm—and that mischievous smile—illustrating a wonderful sense of humor God certainly embraces. Verna was also a proud member of the award-winning Hill & Dale Garden Club.
Her family gratefully remembers Verna as a loving and devoted wife to Al for 53 years; a nurturing, give-the-shirt-off-her-back mom to children Greg (April), Kim (Patrick) and Jonathan (Julie); a warm-hearted, couldn’t-be-prouder Grandma to Violet and A.J.; a cherished sister-in-law, and honored aunt to many nephews and nieces.
Friends may visit with the family Tuesday, March 19 from 5-7 p.m. at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill Street, Wooster.
Rev. Jonathan Rumburg and Rev. Gregory Rumburg will officiate a celebration of life Wednesday, March 20 at 1 p.m. at Central Christian Church, 407 North Market Street, Wooster. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the memorial fund of Central Christian Church or to Wayne County Humane Society, 1161 Mechanicsburg Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Kim, Greg & Jon: my heart is with you! Verna was one of my favorite neighbors and I loved growing up with you all.
What a shock when I found your mothers obituary in the McIntire news today. Your mother and I go a long way back. We will all miss her.
To Verna’s many friends, family, beloved children and sweet Violet and A.J.: Our deepest condolences. We had the privilege of becoming friends with Al and Verna through our Christian faith and church family at Central Christian Church, Wooster.
Thinking of ALL of you In the loss of your Mother. Keeping you in our prayers. With our deepest sympathy, Greg and Marita Buchanan
My heart holds you all close … Your mom was such a great friend and we will miss her feisty humor and big smile. Such a huge hole she leaves. We love all of you. Tom & Lucy
My thoughts are with you in sympathy. Mimi
Greg, Kim & Jon: so sorry to see this. Loved her! May the many wonderful memories help to fill the hole in your hearts. Peace and comfort to all of you and your families. Lynette
My deepest condolences to all of Verna’s family and friends. My mother, Janet Garver-(Curren) Spade, and Verna were best friends growing up near Lakeville. Verna was mom’s maiden of honor for her and my father’s wedding. Mom always used to tell my brother and I the times Verna and she as teenagers, would get together every year to watch the Academy Awards, watch Elvis (ha!), and other things girls in the 1950’s did. And, how Verna’s dad John was the biggest Cleveland Indians fan and never missed a game on the radio. I can somewhat remember Verna and Al’s wedding. I was only 5 years old, but I remember waiting until well after dark, and a group of their closest friends and family gave them an old fashioned ‘house warming’ – when they moved into Verna’s parent’s house. Everyone, even us kids, had pots and pans and hammers and whatever to bang them with. Made a heck of a racket! Ha! It’s been since the 1960’s I last saw Verna. She was a good lady and very special friend to my mom. I’m sure they’re both catching up. Prayers and thoughts are with you.
Jonathan : losing a parent is a very hard time in life. A piece of your heart is taken away. I pray for GOD’s healing and peace for your family.
Someday we will all be together again.
Greg, Kim & Jon….
The words “sarcastic wit and charm/mischievous smile” in the obituary truly described your mom! So many memories of her and your dad at Central Christian! Find comfort in knowing how many care. Blessings to all!
Jonathan and Julie — So very sorry to learn of this. Praying for you to find comfort in memories of the small moments that meant so much.
Jonathan and Julie, (Violet and A.J) your Church family in Stow offers condolences but certainty that Verna has gained eternal life. Peace!
Reverend Jonathan, Julie, Violet, and AJ: You will all miss her deeply; but have many meaningful memories to help you smile. Prayers for comfort.
Jonathan, and the entire Rumburg Family. Losing a parent is sooo very hard and you have my condolences. Prayers that your memories become easier to remember. 🙏
Kim, Jon and Greg, my heat goes out to you. Your Mom was such a great friend to me and I will miss her wit, her humor and most of all our loving friendship. Misty and I are sending you all our love hugs and prayers.
Greg, Jon, and Kim (and April, Patrick, Julie, Violet & AJ) – So sorry to see your mom’s obituary today. She was such a lovely lady – evidenced by her three wonderful children, who loved her so completely. Thinking of you all as you walk this hard road of sorrow, and wishing you each strength and peace.
Kim, so sorry to hear about your mom. I can still see her in the stands at out softball games. Lifting you up in prayers from Texas. God bless, Alisa
Jon and Greg,
Words cannot express our sorrow. We love you.
Terri Lynn Nicholson Brosseau
Greg & April, Kim & Patrick, Jonathan & Jule and Violet and A & J. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I only got to meet your Mom , when April and Greg got married, but I could tell she was a funny, interesting lady. I wish I could have known her better, looking forward to seeing her again in Heaven one day. I do know she and Al did a great job raising some mighty special people . Know we are thinking of you and praying you all are comforted knowing she was loved by a lot of people.
Jonathan and family,
Our thoughts are with you! So hard to lose your mom. She is always, always with you. Her love and care are evident in you and her loved ones. She leaves a legacy of faith and joy.
My deepest condolences to your family. I have known your mom for many years and cherished her friendship.
We are so sorry to hear about this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thoughts and prayers are with you Jonathan and the entire family!
🙏
Dear Jonathan – our very deepest sympathy to you and your loving family.
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers with your entire family. My mom and dad loved. Talking with your parents.
Greg, Kim and Jon and families,
I’m so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I wish that I could be there to give you all a hug and celebrate and remember your great and loving Mom. My deepest sympathy and prayers for you all ❤️
We are so sorry for your loss. You all are in our prayers.
I was sad to hear about Verna. I knew her when she and I worked for USDA. She always had something nice to say and had a great sense of humor. I’ll always remember her as one of the people who made my life better.
Kim, Jon, Greg and families,
Deepest sympathy on the passing of your Mother.
We so enjoyed your mom and dad in our Sunday school class many years ago.
They always made us laugh and smile. Fond memories of dinners and parties too!
Sending prayers,
John and Helen Fravel