Condolences for

You mom did not know my wife except through me talking about her. I did not have the opportunity to know her the way I wanted. I remember her from Sunday school and church. There is one thing that sticks out in my mind and that is that cold winter when she opened home to a bunch of kids so they could enjoy a winter hay ride. Her heart was always fulled with the warmth of a new summer day. Always a word of encouragement and a moto of never quit, keep on trying. Your moms death has even touched us here in France where our sympathies go out to the her children and entire surviving family. Charles & Marlene Panke (Strasbourg, France)

My deepest sympathies to you all. Seldom in ones life do they meet someone who loves, encourages, teaches and listens like Vernetta did. A person of the earth and a grandmother to all. I will miss her dearly and cherish the time she gave me. Mike

To Dawn, Jewel, & Families, Your Mom was my "Mom" too and you do not know how much I will miss her. She always had a smile for everyone and I never heard her utter an unkind word. She was truly an angel and I alwys knew where I could come for a hug. She was even more important to me after my mom died so I knew I still had a mother I could confide in and share my joys and pains. I recall my first memory of her, teaching us "This Little Gospel Light of Mine" in the basement of St. Johns prior to Sunday School classes. Whenever I hear this song I think of her and how she lived each verse. "All around the neighborhood" her light shone. The countless hours she spent around your kithen table at our 4-H sewing meetings, or the many dress reviews at the fair, sweating under that tent. But she always had a smile and encouraging word for her star Mormon Coulee models. "Put it under a Bushel, NO, I'm going to it shine"She always made one feel special and important. Even though I did not know one note of music, I was in the bell choir and between her pointing to me, or Dawn poking me whenever I needed to play my bell, I was able to be a member of the church bell choir. Vernetta was never afraid to show her faith in God. She was devoted to St. Johns and was forever doing something at church. If you coud not find her at home, or working at Bean's,she was probably at church. I always said she had more energy than the Energizer Bunny. "Don't go "huff" and Blow it Out, I'm going to let it Shine" Vernetta's gospel light may be blown out here on earth, but I am confident her light is shining brightly in heaven. With many fond memories. Ruth, Keith, & Jonathan

Jewel and Dawn, I will always remember Vernetta and Mom laughing and joking with Dad while their little fingers were busy planting the tiny flowers in each pot. Your Mom was the Best. Mom loved having her at the Greenhouse and all of us (Dad, Rich, Ron, Me and Rodger)were always glad to see the two of them together. Your Mom and Dad were good friends to our parents. Your Mom will be missed, but always remembered with a smile. Love and Hugs to both of you and your families. Joan Halverson and Charlotte Bean

Our condolences to your family. Your mother was a delightful lady, a ray of sunshine. I fondly remember stories of the marathon card playing with friends. My mother, Alice Piske, still talks about their hours of fun. She will be missed.

Vernetta and family: I'd like to share a poem that is very dear to me... Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sun on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft starlight at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die. -Mary Elizabeth Frye I have never met such an amazing lady, oh how you could light up a room with your stories and your smile! Thank you for taking such great care of God's green earth and his children. Your farm and land are in great hands, thank you for sharing them with all! I will forever look forward to seeing your garden in the spring :) My love and prayers go out to you and your family during these difficult times.

Oh, I am so very sorry to hear of Nettie's passing! What a treasure she was! She taught generations of St. John's kids about the Golden Rule, compassion, cheer under pressure and the joy of life. She was such an influence on my life, and I will miss her terribly. My heartfelt sympathy to Dawn, Jewel and families. I wish I could be there on Saturday in person, but I will certainly be there in my thoughts and prayers.

To the John's family. I always remember your mom at the fair in west salem. Had a great smile and she would always be working with my grandma (Alice Piske. Many great memories of her and having fun with her husband and many friends. She was always smiling and would always give me a hug when I saw her. She will be missed.

To the Vernetta Johns family, You all know how truly special she was, but I wanted you to know how much she meant to me. Growing up and going to St John's, I would see Vernetta on a weekly basis. She always had a smile on her face and something nice to say. She also got me involved in the Jr and then Sr bell choirs. I have to say that was something that I really liked being a part of. Last year, when my Dad died, I ran into her at the church. She hugged me and made me feel like it was just "yesterday" that I saw her last and we had a great talk about what was going on with my life and how much she enjoyed my family. I will miss her smile and warm hugs. Blessings to all of you, for she was a great woman. I hope you find comfort in knowing there are so many of us that send our love and sympathies during this time.

In my mind, Vernetta was always one to have a smile on her face and great words of wisdom. I remember visiting St. John's every Christmas with my Grandparents and couldn't leave without getting a hug from her. She will surely be missed.

To the family of Mrs. Johns, Please accept my sympathy and prayers for you at this time. Your mom is one of the reasons I have been active in children's ministries for the past thirty-eight years. Her vitality and warmth are what I remember most; what I try to model in my interactions with students. Her smile was infectious, her cookies great, and the sledding parties at the farm were always memorable. It felt like home when I was at the farm. She made it that way. I remember yelling when I saw the Channel 8 advertisement that featured her, your farm, and the collie. (Wasn't his name Buddy? I can't remember) I was so proud to know the lady on that ad. Thank you for sharing her with me. I had an opportunity a few years back to tell her what she meant to me. It brings tears to my eyes. I am so sorry that I will be out of town this weekend. Your family will be in my prayers this weekend and in the days and weeks to come. I pray that Jesus has welcomed her home, and she is at peace. My love and prayers, Shelley Schumann