Verna M. Griffith, daughter of David L. and Ethel Marchant Carson, was born on June 19, 1911 on a farm outside of Bagley, Iowa. Upon her arrival she was greeted by an older sister, Eva and brothers, Guy and Lyle. She grew up on the farm surrounded by many animals which she really enjoyed. Verna worked in the field driving a team of horses just like her brothers and could pick many ears of corn as rapidly as her brothers. Verna attended country school and then went on to high school in Bagley and graduated in the class of 1930.

Verna worked at home and as a domestic before marrying Fred A. Griffith on November 22, 1934 in Guthrie Center, Iowa. Times were tough and the young couple worked hard to make ends meet. Their only child, Carson, was born in 1935 and Verna’s sister, Eva, a nurse at Iowa Methodist in Des Moines, picked up the cost of the new baby's arrival.

Fred and Verna moved to a farm near Bagley that was close to the farm where Verna was born. They farmed there for several years and raised a big garden and their own animals for food as did many people in those days. The couple later moved to a farm southwest of Bagley and farmed there until moving into Bagley. Verna and Fred raised many fruits and vegetables, which they shared with others or took to Perry to sell. Verna raised many flowers and started to do more sewing. She was a girl’s 4-H leader and encouraged many girls to excel in various activities. There were numerous times that baked State Fair muffins, demonstrations and sewing items filled the farm home. She also helped with young people at church and enjoyed her time with the Rebekah Lodge.

Upon moving to Bagley, the flower garden grew bigger, so more flowers were shared and the time at the sewing machine became longer. She made several articles of new clothing for her family and others. When her son was to marry, she designed her soon to be daughter-in-law a wedding gown. She had already made the tux for her son while he was in college. Verna sewed several complete wedding outfits, including bridal gowns and bridal attendant’s dresses. As a grandmother of two girls she really had a hay day making outfits for them. This continued throughout their school years and she made the bridal outfits for the next generation to marry in the family. Verna continued to sew until her eyesight failed.

Verna and Fred enjoyed fishing and did do some traveling over the years, Minnesota to fish, Cleveland to watch the Indians play baseball and South Dakota to see the sights. What they liked best was being close to home. Verna drove her old car many places and took friends along on many occasions. She loved sharing her flowers on Sunday morning at church.

Verna was a member of the Bagley United Methodist Church and was involved in many church committees. She served as a local 4-H leader and was a long time Avon representative. Verna was a member of the Rebekah Lodge for over 50 years.

Verna M. Griffith, 92, died on November 6, 2003 at the Bayard Nursing & Rehab Center where she had been a resident since September 2001. Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Fred Griffith; sister, Eva and brothers, Guy and Lyle.

Verna’s survivors include her son Carson Griffith and his wife, Betty, of Grand Junction, IA; two granddaughters, Kim Hartley and her husband, Don, of Waukee, IA and Kelley Bruns and her husband, Chad, of Leon, IA and two great-granddaughters, Emily and Alyssa Hartley of Waukee, IA.

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Memorials may be made to the Bagley United Methodist Church, Bayard Nursing & Rehab Center or Bagley Fire and Rescue Unit.

Services were arranged by Slininger-Rossow Funeral Homes, Inc. of Jefferson (515) 386-2171

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