Verna Lee (Yoder) Buerge
January 16, 1927 - September 1, 2025
Verna Lee (Yoder) Buerge was born near East Lynne, Missouri, January 16, 1927, and entered her heavenly home September 1, 2025. Age 98.
Verna began her education in a two-room schoolhouse in Gunn City, Missouri, before her family moved to her grandmother’s homestead near Garden City. She later attended Clearfork School and Garden City High School before completing her junior and senior years at Hesston Academy in Hesston, Kansas, graduating with the class of 1946. Her time at Hesston opened her world to lifelong friendships, including memorable travels with classmates to Colorado and even Canada. Those adventures ignited in her a love of travel and connection that enriched her entire life.
On July 31, 1948, Verna married Orville Buerge at Sycamore Grove Mennonite Church in one of the first weddings held there. Together, they built a home centered on faith, hospitality, and family. Both were deeply involved at Sycamore Grove until 1968, when they joined with others to form Harrisonville Mennonite Church. Verna had an eye for beauty, creating warm and welcoming spaces both inside and outside making her home always ready for visitors.
Though she was a lifelong artist, Verna’s gift in painting blossomed in her later years. She painted landscapes that now grace the homes of her grandchildren and friends, leaving behind a creative legacy that continues to bring joy.
In 2007, Verna and her daughter Karen built a new home in Hesston, Kansas, where they lived for 15 years. In her final years, Verna and Karen moved to Texas to be closer to her daughter Pam and family. She delighted in every opportunity to be with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Verna was preceded in death by her parents, Elby R. and Clara Yoder, her brother, Lester Yoder, and her beloved husband, Orville. She is survived by her children: Lonnie (Jan Hartzler) Buerge of Kansas City, Missouri; Karen Buerge of North Richland Hills, Texas; and Pamela (Mark) Yoakum of North Richland Hills, Texas. She leaves behind four granddaughters, Stephanie (Bobby) Simons, Suzanna (Erin) Dunn, Staci (Rodney) Meyer and Caitlin (Seth) Schreier as well as five great-grandchildren, Parker and Payton Meyer, Grady and Berit Dunn and Ella Simons. Her life was marked by faith, family, creativity, and a love for the beauty of God’s creation—a legacy that will live on in all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Clear Creek Ministries, a 501c3 organization dedicated to transforming lives through youth events and retreats. Donations may be mailed to:
Clear Creek Ministries
26608 South Little Rd - P.O. Box 195
Garden City, MO 64747
816-258-8633
Verna Buerge’s grave side service will be held at Clearfork Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
A come-and-go Remembrance Gathering will follow from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at Harrisonville Community Church. Family, friends, and members of the community are warmly invited to attend either or both occasions as we honor Verna’s life together. We look forward to greeting and sharing memories of Verna.
