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Aug. 29, 1943-April 29, 2024

 

Verlayne, of Bainbridge Township, was born on Aug. 29, 1943 in Benton Harbor, MI to Ralph and Ruby (Gearin) Schommer. She was a lifetime area resident.

After graduating from Dowagiac Union High School in 1961, she worked as a Switchboard Telephone Operator at Michigan Bell Telephone Co. in Benton Harbor.

Verlayne married the love of her life, Lloyd Lynn King, on July 27, 1963.

Verlayne was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Sorority; and part of the graduating class of 1971 at Lake Michigan College, earning her Nursing Degree. She then began her lifelong career as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Verlayne treasured her career as an LPN of over 30 years working at Mercy, Watervliet and Memorial Hospitals. However, her favorite area of nursing was working with geriatric patients, and she spent the later part of her career as a Charge Nurse at Riveridge Manor Nursing Home in Niles, MI. Verlayne retired in the early 1990’s.

Verlayne was a fun spirited soul who took on many passions. You could find her relaxing with a good book; romance novels were her favorite. She also enjoyed reading the newspaper from front to back; every day. Verlayne read her Bible daily. She and her husband were members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stevensville, MI. They loved attending every Church service; and would watch the sermons on YouTube when it became difficult to travel.

Every night she would turn off her hearing aids (because Lloyd liked to “blast” the tv) and play spider solitaire on her computer. The goal was to win a game for each of her grandchildren; even if it took all night. Verlayne and her husband would spend hours finishing jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles and word searches. They always enjoyed playing Mexican Train Dominoes and Euchre with their family and friends.

Verlayne loved the holidays and gathering her family together as often as possible. One thing everyone will miss are Verlayne’s Christmas cards; her list grew every year.

She enjoyed gardening and had a huge love for animals; especially her pets. She liked collecting anything cow and elephant related.

Verlayne’ s greatest love was for her family and her many wonderful friends whom she leaves behind to cherish her memory including two daughters: Christina (Robert) Anstey and Laura (David) Knapp;

five grandchildren: Christian Knapp, Matthew Knapp, Paige Martin, Josh (Maloree) Anstey and Jake Anstey; two great grandchildren: Noah and Brynlee Anstey; a sister-in-law June (Joseph) Schommer, many nieces & nephews and several great nieces & nephews.

Verlayne joined her husband of over 60 years in Heaven on Monday, April 29, 2024; at the age of 80. She passed peacefully with her loving family by her side at Corewell Health System in St. Joseph. Verlayne is preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd King; parents Ralph and Ruby Schommer and two brothers Joseph & Donald Schommer.

Verlayne was an exemplary Wife, Mother and friend.

She was fearless and independent, yet sensitive and incredibly compassionate. She embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, strength, and an unending generosity that could be seen in her care for her family and countless others. She showed her Daughters and Grandchildren how to be strong and independent; while teaching them to be tender at the same time; never giving up.

Verlayne was a beautiful person inside and out. Her smile was stunning and would light up the whole room. Verlayne cared deeply for the people around her and was the kindest woman we’ve ever known. She made a positive impact on countless lives and will be forever missed. Until we meet again, Mom.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held for Verlayne and Lloyd King on Monday, July 15, at Hutchins Funeral Home 209 South Main Street Watervliet, MI 49098. Visitation is from 12 to 1 p.m.; followed by the Memorial Service.

We invite family and friends to join us immediately following the Memorial Service for a Celebration of Life Dinner at Lake Michigan Gardens 2584 East Napier Ave Benton Harbor, MI 49022.