Vera Highsmith
Vera Mercil Highsmith, long time employee of the Marion County Vehicle Department, died March 10, 2002, at Marion Manor.
She began working in the courthouse in 1958, in the vehicle department of the treasurer's office, and became head of that department.
During her devoted years of serving the public she became well known by a large number of people. She retired in 1988.
She was born Sept. 4, 1917, in rural Marion County, the youngest child of the late Will and Rosa Bredemeier.
The family moved to the Prather Ranch near Elmdale on what is now K-150 highway.
She graduated from Clements High School in 1934.
She then taught elementary students at Prairie Grove School for several years.
She was married to Roy "Bob" Highsmith in 1938 and they moved to Marion in 1944.
The couple had three children, Karon, Dennis, and Cynthia.
She was an active member of VFW Auxiliary, worked in AAL, the Dorcas Society, was organist for many years, and was a devoted servant of Our Savior Lutheran Church.
During the later years of her life she especially enjoyed helping with church sponsored soup suppers.
Preceded in death by her parents, her husband, an infant son, two grandsons, a brother, and two sisters; she is survived by daughters Karon Hess and Cynthia Maynard of Marion and son Dennis Highsmith of Newton; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Our Savior Lutheran Church with Pastor John Ryding officiating.
Julie Krich will provide organ music. The congregation will sign "Amazing Grace" and "Nearer My God To Thee."
Casket bearers, grandsons, are Marty Highsmith, Bryan Hess, Jerry Hess, Stacey Sawyer, Travis Sawyer and great-grandsons Derek Mayfield and Mark Vinduska.
Burial will be in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial funds have been established at the church and with Marion Manor.
