Verdyne Kugler

(From Rentschler Family Mortuaries)

Verdyne G. Kugler, at the age of 82 passed away on May 16th, 2023 at the Osborne County Memorial Hospital. She was born December 15th 1940 at the Smith Center Memorial Hospital.

Preceded in death, by her parents, Floyd and Fern (Gove); sister, Valjean Ellis (Kugler); brother, Terry Kugler; niece, Rachel West (Ellis); and nephew, Tim Ellis (Danielle).

She is survived by her 2 nephews Steve Ellis (Melinda), of Gulfport Mississippi, and children Trevor, Mason, and Alyssa; Mark Ellis (Cari) of Carl Junction, Missouri and children Logan, Preston and Grant; Rachel's children Clayton and Brian; Tim's children Martha, Sarah, and James; great-great nieces and nephews and cousins.

Verdyne attended Smith Center High School, graduating in 1959. Verdyne first worked at Hawes Drug then at Gibson Chiropractic. She ended her career as a ward clerk at Smith Center Memorial Hospital.
She and her brother Terry lived in their family home with their parents. Later they both cared for their parents, Floyd and Fern, during their final years. Verdyne lived in the Kugler family home until late 2020, when she decided it was better for her to spend the rest of her golden years at the Park View Care Center.

Verdyne faithfully attended the Church of the Nazarene and Bible study classes as well as she was part of the church choir. She was an active member at church, making many friends and enjoyed the fellowship. Going to Gospel Concerts was one of her favorite past times that she looked forward to attending with her sister.

Verdyne enjoyed walking, her friend, Rhonda said they walked everywhere together. Her username was "walksalot". On Sunday's she would often eat with her friend Dietra and watch Gathers music. For two years she participated in a ladies night. Thirl, Charmin, Rose, Helen, Rhonda, Phyllis, and Verdyne would meet every Friday night and play card games or dominoes. Verdyne's baked goodies were always a hit.

Family reunions were a particularly favorite time for her and she greatly enjoyed visiting and catching up with family members that didn't live close to her. The Watermelon Festival was another event that she enjoyed every year. Doing cross word searches was another activity she enjoyed.

Verdyne was very well known for her cooking and baking skills, such as her applesauce brownies that were a particular favorite with her family. Another favorite was divinity candy and melt in your mouth cream cheese cookies she made every year during the holidays.

She enjoyed spending time with her sister, Valjean, niece, nephews and great-nieces and nephews, making frequent trips to visit them in Wichita. Likewise, the family also made frequent trips to see her in Smith Center. She always welcomed all family and was a gracious host, who fed and cared for everyone. She loved her dogs, Tippy and Scrappy, taking them on her visits.

Verdyne had a heart full of gold. She touched many lives and we were all fortunate enough to know her. Always ready with kind, encouraging words, as well as wisdom. Verdyne always went out of her way to be there for anyone that needed her, ready and willing to lend a helping hand. She will be and is already greatly missed by her family and friends.