Verna Jean (Morris) Radcliffe, 92, the third child of Robert and Helen (Siegrist) Morris, was born June 20, 1930, in Rural Graham County, Kansas, and passed away Saturday, October 23, 2022, at Dawson Place in Hill City, Kansas.
Verna Jean attended grade school and high school in Hill City, was the Homecoming Queen, graduating in the Class of 1948. June 27, 1948, Verna Jean was united in marriage to R. Duane Radcliffe at the Hill City Christian Church. To this union four children were born: Ronald Duane, Diana Jean, Larry Eugene, and Brenda Ellen. Verna Jean was baptized and remained a faithful member of the Christian Church.
Life at the Radcliffe home was never dull. Their four children kept them busy with not only school activities, but extra-curricular events as well. Among other things, Verna Jean and Duane sponsored ski trips driving their customized van. Of course, many of the teenagers wanted to ride in their vehicle!
Verna Jean was a fabulous cook. Her children fondly remember her homemade noodles and especially the “bathtub” ice cream. Before her ice cream churn was electric, each of the children took turns manning the crank, 100 times each. She not only fed her growing children, but also cooked at the grade school cafeteria. Later Verna Jean worked with Genevieve Brunk in the Clerk of the District Court office. Then she became the bookkeeper and dispatcher for Graham County Farmers until she retired.
Verna Jean had a musical talent that she shared with love from which her family, church, and community greatly benefitted. She taught piano to many children. For more than 50 years she played the organ and piano, not only for church services, but also numerous funerals, weddings, and other events.
Once the children were grown, Verna Jean and Duane traveled every chance they could. One time even found them taking a motorcycle trip alongside Larry and Shelly to Kearney, Nebraska. The bank tours, which they especially looked forward to, were rarely missed. Racing became a passion for Verna Jean when Larry, Jeff and Shawn participated. The couple enjoyed seeing many new places as they followed their grandchildren and great grandchildren around the United States watching their various athletic competitions.
Verna Jean was preceded in death by her parents, brothers: Charles Morris, Lawrence Morris, infant brothers, Robert Richard and Harold Eugene; sisters Bonnie Miller and Leota Brumbaugh. Those left to mourn are her husband of 74 years, Duane Radcliffe of Hill City; children: Ron and wife Joy Radcliffe of Hill City, Diana and husband Larry Crosby of Littleton, Colorado, Larry and wife Shelly Radcliffe of Hill City, and Brenda Appelhans of Hill City; nine grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; brother-in-law Dean Miller, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Verna Jean had a contagious smile and a kind heart, never showing signs of anger or disappointment. May her legacy of love for family and friends, her joy of music, fun and laughter, remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
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