Verna Bernice Laney Rapier passed away quietly in her sleep on the morning of January 3, 2022, at the age of 93. Verna was born on October 10, 1928, to Vernon Jesse and Lucy Alberta Collett Laney, at the Storks Nest Hospital in Tucson, AZ. Verna was the first born, she was soon followed by 3 siblings, Marjory, Alberta Inez and John.
Verna was raised in Clifton until the 11th grade and then moved to Reserve, New Mexico, where she graduated in 1946. Verna married the love of her life, Max J. Rapier, 2 days after graduation. Soon after she was blessed by 2 boys, Max Jr. and Wayne. She and Max Sr. raised their boys in York, AZ. and made many wonderful memories there.Her husband, Max passed away at the age of 42. Verna very much loved her family and cherished every moment she spent with them. Verna was fun loving. She made everyone laugh, even when she didn’t feel well herself. She never lost her since of humor.
Verna was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a woman of great faith.
She will be missed greatly but we are so happy that she gets to be with her husband again.
Verna is survived by her: son, Wayne Rapier (Sherri); her brother, John Laney (Elizabeth); seven grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren. Verna is preceded in death by: her husband, Max J. Rapier, Sr.; her son, Max J. Rapier Jr.; her parents, Vernon Jesse and Lucy Alberta Laney; her sisters, Alberta Inez Laney and Marjory Ellen Reynolds Hodges; her grandaughter, Leslie Kip Rapier and her grandson, Timothy Paul Rivers, Jr.
Graveside services Verna will be conducted Saturday, January 15, 2022, at 1:30 p.m., at the Ward Canyon Cemetery in Clifton.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
