Verdie York

(From Parker Mortuary)

Heaven gained another beautiful angel, after 96 years of love-filled life; the Lord decided it was time for her to go home. Verdie Lee Kelley York, of Carthage, MO, passed away at 11:50 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2015, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin after a short illness.

Verdie Lee, or Nanny, as she was known to her family, was dearly loved by all who knew her. She faced life’s hardships and challenges with grace and a sense of humor that brought much joy and laughter to her many friends and family. Nothing was more entertaining than her colorful, yet simple recollections of farm life during the Dust Bowl era and her adventures with childhood friends, which centered on her love of dancing.

Born April 23, 1919, in rural New Mexico, she was the daughter of the late Marion Monroe Pyle and Annie Alice McMullan Pyle. At the age of seven, the family moved to Oklahoma and she was raised and attended school in the Grimes area of Roger Mills County.

She married Horace Elmer (Bud) Kelley on June 28, 1937, at Monterey, CA. They made their home in Sweetwater, OK for most of their married life. He preceded her in death on February 1, 1960. She then married Dell W. York on May 16, 1970. He preceded her on October 4, 1983. Also preceding her were a son, Bobby Ray Kelley; two brothers, Cullan and Kenneth Pyle; and a stepdaughter, Debbie Breeze.

Survivors include a daughter, Patsy Trigg and husband Doval of Diamond, MO; daughter-in-law, Emogene Kelley of Devine, TX; a stepdaughter, Mary Jeanne Hester and husband Robert of Wichita, KS; two stepsons, Larry York and wife Paula of Yukon, OK, Mike York and wife Bobette of Bella Vista, AR; seven grandchildren, Kelly Shawn Trigg and wife Carol, of Joplin, MO; Doval Shane Trigg, of Afton, OK; Kimberly Sue Heinsohn and husband Hoyle, of Devine, TX; Monty Ray Kelley and wife Dianne, of Pensacola, FL; Buddy Lee Kelley and wife Julie, of Kruegerville, TX; Kenneth Gene Kelley, of Gonzales, TX; Johnny Oad Kelley and wife Jeanette, of Martindale, TX; eleven great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren, step grandchildren and great-step grandchildren, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She will be forever in our hearts, and never forgotten.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary in Joplin.

Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Rose Chapel Funeral Service in Sayre, OK. Interment will follow at Dempsey Cemetery in Roger Mills County, OK. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.