Verna Jean Maulsby was born on March 16, 1943, in WaKeeney, Kansas to Homer Dennis Neff and Ella Christine (Claycamp) Neff. She passed from this life on Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Owasso, Oklahoma at the age of 81 years. Verna attended 8 years of grade school in a one room country school and was taught by the same teacher, Mrs. Tomanek, all 8 years. That is a beginning in consistency and simplicity which has given Verna a foundation of strength and family to build her life on. Upon graduation from Trego Community High School, she then continued her education at Brown Mackie School of Business. Her first job was a statistical typist. She says, “I learned to type numbers really quick.”
Verna married the love of her life, Merlyn, in 1965 after he was discharged from the Air Force. They were blessed with a daughter, Leslie, in 1969 and a son, Greg, two years later in 1971. Her children participated in miniature rodeos as well as many school sports. They enjoyed the love of outdoors through many family camping trips over the years. Verna has had many occupations throughout her life. She has worked as a pre-school teacher, a Veterinary receptionist and then for Phillips Petroleum for 15 years.
One of Verna’s most rewarding experiences was through her Red Heeler dog, Rodshy. She trained her beloved dog to be a certified therapy dog. Her daughter, along with her close friend, Becky Vasey, would take Rodshy to surrounding hospitals, rehab facilities and to Brookdale Owasso to comfort children and seniors. Seeing Rodshy being loved by so many and giving a moment of happiness in a difficult situation for others was very rewarding to her.
Verna’s daughter is a Campus Director at Tulsa Tech in Owasso and her son works as an Engineer for Cessna Aircraft in Coffeyville, Kansas.
Verna is survived by:
Sister;
Kathryn Wedermyer
2 Children;
Leslie Clark and husband Dan
Greg Maulsby and wife Anita
4 Granddaughters;
Alexa Rine and husband Jesse
Kayla Newby and husband Jackson
Amelia Maulsby
Miranda Maulsby
Great Grandson;
Briston
She was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Ella, husband, Merlyn, and two brothers, Earl and Leon.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024, in the Mowery Funeral Service Chapel in Owasso. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Verna’s memory to Skiatook Paws and Claws, 4605 W C Rogers Blvd, Skiatook, OK 74070, or Meadowcreek United Methodist Church – “Pet Ministry,” 14205 E. 146th. St. N., Collinsville, OK 74021
