In loving memory of

Donna Verlene Looker
September 29, 1945 - May 6, 2019

Verlene passed away on Monday, May 6, 2019 at the Elm Heights Care Center.

Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home. The family will greet friends one hour prior to services.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Shenandoah Ambulance Service.

Verlene Looker, 73 of Shenandoah passed away peacefully on Monday, May 6, 2019 at the Elm Heights Care Center in Shenandoah. Verlene was born on September 29, 1945 in Maryville, Missouri the daughter of Fay and Neva (Gardner) Looker.

Verlene moved to Shenandoah when she was just 6 years old. Her parents both worked for May Seed and Nursery Company, so it was a natural fit for Verlene to join the KMA Radio family. As a young woman, Verlene began a career as part of the Kitchen-Klatter family and later hosted a daily hour-long homemaking program entitled "Lifestyles". After Kitchen Klatter went out of business in 1985 she recorded a homemaking program for KQIS Radio also in Shenandoah. She then worked as a tour guide for Central Travel Agency. In 1991 she began working in Human Resources at Wal-Mart, where she remained employed until her passing.

While she never had any children of her own, Verlene was a primary matriarchal figure and care taker for her extended family. How rare it was to see Verlene without one of her nieces or nephews by her side. She loved to spend her free time toting her nieces and nephews to and from school events, dance recitals and athletics. Verlene was kind, loyal and spent her life in service to others.

She is survived by her brother Roger Looker; her nieces Michelle Looker-Collins, Stacy Looker-Graham and Kim Manion; 8 great-nieces and nephews; 5 great-great-nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends who she loved beyond measure.



Tributes

Barbara Cunningham wrote on May 11, 2019:

"Remembering Verlene serving on the RAGBRAI Host Committee In 1992. She was a great addition. "

Detra Braymen wrote on May 10, 2019:

"Roger, Stacy and the entire Looker family- my heartfelt sympathy is with you this day and in the days to come. Verlene was a special person who had a heart of gold for her friends and family. She will be missed."

Betty Jo Phillips wrote on May 10, 2019:

"Verlene will always hold a very special place in my heart. She was always there with an open heart and listening ear at some of the most trying times in many lives. She will be dearly missed by many. Rest in the Peace you earned my friend."

Mick Longstreet wrote on May 9, 2019:

"Roger, So sorry to learn of Verlene's passing. She was always happy and had a smile on her face. Praying for all your family during this difficult time. "

Rita Gibson wrote on May 9, 2019:

"Sorry for your loss. She was such a nice lady and always had a smile. Prayers to the family."

John A. Greenleaf wrote on May 9, 2019:

"Verlene was nothing short of pleasant to work with at KMA in the late 80?s. It was always fun to see her after I moved back in ?05. She always had a warm smile. May she Rest In Peace!! "

Mary Lehman wrote on May 9, 2019:

"I am so sorry for your loss. Verlene was such a sweet lady. I loved working with her at Walmart. May you fi d comfort I. Your memories. "

Patti Gay wrote on May 8, 2019:

"Roger, I?m so sorry! She was a wonderful lady. My prayers to you and your family at your sisters loss."

jerry spies wrote on May 8, 2019:

"Roger. So sorry to hear this. She was a very special lady. "

Janet Edmonds wrote on May 8, 2019:

"My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family, May your hearts find comfort in Gods beautiful promises for the future. John 6:40"

Misty otte wrote on May 7, 2019:

"So sorry to hear, she was a very special lady and will definitely be missed. Thoughts and prayers to all."

Linda and Wade Ash wrote on May 7, 2019:

"Verlene was a person that I admire so much! Verlene did a lot in the community that lots didn't realized. She will be so missed. RIP my dear friend. Angel that will watch over everyoe."

Tom & Sue Spears wrote on May 7, 2019:

"So sorry to hear of Verlene's passing. She was such a nice person. I always enjoyed waiting on her when she came to the bank with Walmart's deposit. Lots of memories!"

Terry ann Fetz wrote on May 7, 2019:

"Oh no another goodbye to my former secretary who i work with at Kitchen-Klatter she so such a sweet lady i adore her surely gonna missed her well at least she get to see some former people she once work with such as Elenor Harms/Mae hadden/ Marvis stephens not sure if i missed someone out they will enjoy a good laugh in heaven Terry ann Fetz(Schaper)"

Barbara Cunningham wrote on May 7, 2019:

"My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you celebrate Verlene?s life. She was a caring person who spread warmth to all. So sorry. "