Verna Lammon

Verna Lammon, age 96, of Aberdeen, formerly of Midland, S.D., died Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016, in Aberdeen.

Verna Rhoda was born March 13, 1920, in Windom, Minn., adopted as an infant by Alfred and Mattie Rhoda of St. Paul, Minn. When Verna was four years old, her newborn baby brother died, and two days later her father, Alfred, passed away.

When she was eight years old, her mother came to Midland for the summer to work as a housekeeper for William W. Lammon. When it was time to return to St. Paul, Verna didn’t want to leave the ranch. Later on, Bill and Mattie were married. She stayed on the ranch and graduated high school in Midland with an offer of a scholarship to the Art Institute in Chicago, but again, she didn’t want to leave the ranch. When she was 20, Mr. Lammon was going to town the next day to sign papers leaving the ranch to his son, Bill, but unfortunately he died that night. 

On New Year’s Day in 1941, Verna was united in marriage to Bill, Jr. They moved to Butte, Mont., after their marriage. In 1951, they returned to Midland because Bill was hired to run the municipal bar. Sometime later, they opened a pool hall which they ran until their retirement.

Verna had many talents including quilting, crocheting, baking, cooking, playing music and painting. She painted over a hundred paintings, some of which were sold at the Wall Drug Store. Many homes in this area have Verna art hanging on the walls. She was featured in a half hour program on KELOland TV station.

She always had a broad smile, loved people and had many friendships. She loved her Open Bible Church and was very active in the community. She also loved animals, especially horses.

Survivors include her son, Tom (Joni) Lammon; grandson, Bill Lammon and his life partner, Tabitha Steuck; step-grandson, Jared Middleton; step-grand-daughter, Alyssa Middleton; great-grandchildren, William Lammon IV, Murphy Lammon, Madison Lammon, and Thomas Lammon; step-great-grandchildren, Jace Kimzey and Laila Middleton; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, in 1987; her parents; a biological sister, Bea Badouinus; and a brother, Russel Zappa, whom she didn’t learn about until she was in her 70s.

A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, at the Open Bible Church in Midland.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30, at the Open Bible Church.

Interment will be at the Midland Cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

Her online guestbook is available at www.rushfuneralhome. com