Vervalee Garra, age 91, went to be with the Lord at 4:00 am on Friday, August 9, 2024, at Miller's Merry Manor in Marion, Indiana. She was born in Canton, Ohio, on February 1, 1933, to Zora and William W. Gray. She grew up in Canton, Ohio, with four brothers and three sisters, who have all preceded her in death.
She graduated from McKinley High School in Canton, Ohio, and then went on to graduate in 1956 from Cleveland Bible College (now Malone College) in Cleveland, Ohio, receiving a bachelor's degree in education. She later graduated with a master's degree in education from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. While attending Cleveland Bible College, Vervalee met and married the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Garra. They were married 67 years until his death on July 9, 2021.
Vervalee had two passions. She was a pastor's wife and partner in her husband's ministry, as well as an elementary school teacher. She retired from Oak Hill School Corp. in 1998 after teaching 26 years at Sweetser Elementary.
Vervalee resided in Marion for 61 years. She was a member of South Marion Friends Church and then First Friends Church, as well as two other Friends churches that Bob pastored.
She is survived by two daughters, Bonnie (Mike) Thompson of Marion, IN, and Phyllis (Chris) Villarreal of Meridian, ID; four grandchildren, Cristobal Villarreal of Gig Harbor, WA, Aaron Villarreal of Lakebay, WA, Laura Israel of Minneola, FL, and Sarah Thompson of Kaunakakai, HI; and four great-grandchildren.
In keeping with her wishes, no services or visitation will be held.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Friends Church, Marion, IN.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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