"Hey Gma it's been almost 7 years sense your passing and I miss u so much I wish you were here ti see your great grand babies there beautiful and I know you would have them spoiled their names are Gunner which will be 4 in November and Khloe which just turned 1 in June I wish they would have got the chance ti meet u! I love and miss u very much oh and by the way u still have my feather pillow and sleep with it everynight :) RIP Gma I will see u again someday xoxo "
In loving memory of
Verna L. McClain
September 10, 2006
Open visitation at the Hertz Funeral Home in Carson on Tuesday from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M.
Verna Lea McClain, the oldest of eleven children of Ralph Edward Chambers and Erna (Kolby) Chambers, was born on April 28, 1932 at Lebanon, Missouri. When Verna was an infant, her family moved to Hancock, Iowa and later to Henderson, Iowa where she graduated from Henderson High School in 1949.
Verna and Wendell "Guaine" McClain of the Wales-Lincoln area east of Henderson were married on January 9, 1950 at the Assembly of God Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa. They made their first home near Henderson and the following year moved into town. They later moved to the Wheeler Grove neighborhood east of Carson and then in 1962, to a farm east of Elliott, Iowa, where they made their home for the next 24 years. Their marriage was blessed with four boys, Rick Wendell, Gary Dean, Dannie Paul, and David Lee. Verna loved her role as mother and homemaker and loved attending her sons' sporting events. She was a gifted poem writer and interior decorator, enjoyed sewing, gardening, and was a fabulous cook.
While living in Elliott, Verna represented Avon and worked at Kmart in Red Oak. In the spring of 1986, Verna and Guaine moved to Denton, Texas. One year later they moved to Rogers, Arkansas where she worked at Food-for-Less and was a seamstress for two bridal shops. In 2000, they returned to the Midwest and to their present home in Red Oak, Iowa where she again worked at Kmart. While living in the different areas, Verna attended churches and women's groups close to her home.
Verna and Guaine had been married 56 years when she died on September 10, 2006 at the Good Samaritan Center in Red Oak. She had attained the age of 74 years, 4 months, and 12 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Mary Adams and her husband Garvin Adams, brothers Larry Chambers and Kevin Chambers, and brother-in-law Lawrence Adair.
Verna is survived by her husband W. Guaine McClain of Red Oak, IA; sons Rick McClain and wife Peggy of Villisca, IA, Gary McClain and wife Lola of Pineville, MO, Dannie McClain and wife Shelly of Elliott, IA and David McClain and companion Jackie Johnson of Red Oak; sisters Vinetta Shinkle and husband Tom of Rogers, AR and Verla Adair of Malvern, IA; brothers Charles Chambers of AR, Kenneth Chambers and wife Judy, Norman Chambers and wife Mary, Steve Chambers, John Chambers and wife Carol, all of Rogers, AR; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
Tributes
"WAS so sorry to hear of Verna's passing. We were on vacation for 2 weeks then, and somehow wasn't informed. Just found out yesterday from Joyce and Ed. I really hate it we didn't know, Guaine. Tried to call you this morn but don't have the right number so hope to get it soon and talk to you. May God Bless you and your family in this great loss. She was such a nice person. Wish you all well. Joan And Albert"
"She will be missed by everyone who knew her. She was a very loving and thoughtfull person. I worked with Verna for a few years at Kmart. I enjoyed our time together. I will miss you Verna."
"There will be so many wonderful memories that only Verna could have created, from the smells in the kitchen, the cheering section at a ball game to the details on one of her creations for that special touch. Those are the things that will keep Verna in everyones heart. She will be missed. "
"McClains, Verna Lee, my oldest niece, was a wonderful person whom I admired very much as a child. My memories of Verna Lee was as the oldest of my sisters children. She always had it together when we visited, and I looked to her as the perfect example. Later in life I knew her as a family rock, a great cook, and a very positive person. My wife and I lived most of our life on the west coast and were unable to visit much through the years, but when we did, it was always a positive experience. Verna Lee always spoke well of everyone, and always seemed to know about how everyone was doing. She really cared. I will indeed miss Verna Lee and send you all my warmest regards. Uncle Tom"
"Aunt Verna Lee, a gift to all that had the opportunity to know her. Whether famiy or friend always s warm smile, kind word and helping hand. She touched my life in many ways and I will always remember her gracious way and loving laugh. She enjoyed life and loved her family very much. My deepest sympathy to Guaine and the boys. "
"you were the best grandma ever and i am going to miss you every much!!!Ill always think of you and i promise that i wont ever forget you!!!i love you so much!!!! ~ Morgan Danille McClain ~"
"Verna Lee was a kind gentle person that loved her grandchildren. She was strong, loving, talented, and a wonderful cook! Thank you "MOM" for all the love and support you gave to me over the years! I will miss you......."
"Hey grandma you were the best grandma EVER. I love you with all of my heart and I'm really going to miss you, but now I know your in a better place watching over me and I'm so thankful for you being in my life. I love you grandma R.I.P "
"McClains, I am Vinetta Shinkles Grandson, and I knew Verna Lee McClain as Aunt Verna Lee. I got to know Gwain and Verna Lee when they moved to Texas in the 80's. My condolences go out to you all. Verna Lee was a wonderful person who I have fond memories. I remember she was a wonderful baker, who baked the best pies. She will be missed, and I wish you all well."