MRS. VERNA RUTH (DESMUKE) MATHIS

Mrs. Verna Ruth (Desmuke) Mathis, 81, of Navasota, passed away Wednesday, October 2, at her daughter’s home in Edge, Texas. Visitation with family and friends was held from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 8, at Nobles Funeral Chapel. A private family graveside service will be held 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 10, at Waco Memorial Park Cemetery. Rev. Robert Nelson will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Nobles Funeral Chapel.

Verna was born November 24, 1937 in Waco, Texas to John Fred and Lloyd Lorene (Chance) Desmuke. She married Jimmy Ralph Mathis and together they had five children. Her mother taught her to quilt on a wooden frame when Verna was newly married and this began a life long passion for sewing and quilting. Verna worked in the admissions office at Texas A&M University for 11 years and and also drove a school bus. She was a Girl Scout Leader and a member of the First Baptist Church Quilting Group. Verna lived at 42 Place in Navasota and had several dear friends there that shared her love for plants, birds and traveling. They played many, many games of dominoes while sharing stories, memories and laughter.

She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Terri and Ron Gay, Sandra and Jimmy Robinson and Renee and Ricky Etheridge; sons and daughters-in-law Jimmy and Jacklyn Mathis, Jr., and Darin and Tracie Mathis; brother and sister-in-law William and Cindy Desmuke; sisters Sue Pryor and Juanita Berry; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Mathis was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lorene Desmuke; husband Jimmy Mathis; sister Alice Ingram and brother Johnnie Desmuke.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a memorial contribution in her name be made to Hospice Brazos Valley at www.hospicebrazosvalley.org/donate.

You are invited to leave kind words and fond memories at www.noblesfuneral.com.