Vernelle M. Schultz, 92, passed away August 14, 2024 in Elkhorn, NE where she had resided since 2017. She was born on August 5, 1932 at her Grandpa and Grandma Brestel’s ranch north of Moorefield, NE, to Harry V. Mercer and Ardath M. (Brestel) Mercer. The family lived in the Moorefield/Brady area and Vernelle attended grade school at the Sleepy Hollow country school. She completed high school at the University of Nebraska School of Agriculture in Curtis and after completing Normal Teacher Training she taught school at the Sleepy Hollow country school.
Vernelle married Ivan G. Schultz on April 7, 1951 in McCook, NE and this union was blessed with six children, 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren during their 53 years of marriage. They bought a farm north of Moorefield where they raised cattle and farmed. Vernelle worked at the Moorefield Central Telephone office and the Post Office while taking care of her family. In 1963, they sold the farm and moved to Curtis after purchasing the Gambles Hardware Store. In 1971, Vernelle went to work at the Medicine Valley High School as the Kitchen Manager until retiring in 1992.
Vernelle was a member of the Curtis United Methodist Church and active in the Methodist Women’s Club and Circle. She was a past member of P.E.O. and belonged to a Bridge club and Pinochle Club. She also enjoyed playing pitch and volunteering at the Senior Center. She loved to cook and bake for her family and friends. and her kids and grandkids looked forward to her homemade chicken and noodles, Angel Food cakes, and jars of homemade jams and jellies. She always raised a big garden and was an accomplished seamstress, sewing many prom and bridesmaid dresses, baby blankets and quilts. Vernelle never missed a family member or friend’s birthday and always sent a card.
Vernelle moved to Elkhorn, NE in 2017 to be closer to her children. She enjoyed the friendships she developed at Elk Ridge Senior Living and favorite activities included Bingo, playing cards, completing puzzles and watching Husker football and volleyball games. She moved to Brookestone Meadows Care Center in 2023.
Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents, brothers Virgil, Gerald(Elfreide) and Kelly(Evelyn), and sister Eleanor.
Survivors include her children: Teresa(Sid)Porter, Rodney(Jeani)Schultz, Barbara(Mark)Vreeland, Sandra(Terry)Peterson, Michael(Adelheid)Schultz and Patricia(Rik)Weiss.
Grandchildren and great grandchildren: Jessica(Daniel)Nelson and children Connor, Eli and Josie, Reese(Katie)Porter and children Calvin and Maxwell, Justin Schultz, Daniel Schultz, Brooke(Bennett)Williams and children Scottie and Monroe, Lisa(Mike)Treadway and children Michael and Alex, Sean Vreeland, Derek(Ellie)Peterson and children Rory Peterson and Rylee Anderson, Dustin(Kerrie)Peterson and children Carter, Claire, Cate and Cora, Noah and Christian Schultz and Carson, Nolan, Kenny and Tommy Weiss.
She is also survived by her brother, Bob (MaryAnn) Mercer, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Sid and Kathy Schultz and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation was chosen. Services will be held at a later date with inurnment at Moorefield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Curtis Senior Center, Curtis Community Center or the Methodist Church of Curtis.