Lucille Verner

Edith Lucille Verner was born on September 26, 1927, in Alva, Oklahoma. She was born to Alvin Payne and Inez Schroder Payne.  To this union, a brother, Burleigh Payne, was also born.  Due to the persuasion of Inez’s brother, Leonard Schroder, Alvin and Inez moved to Baca County and settled on the farm south of Pritchett. In her early life, Lucille attended cosmetology school in Pueblo, Colorado, then operated several local beauty shops. On December 9, 1950, Lucille married the love of her life, Billy Dale Verner.  To this union, two children were born, Richard Dale and Rhonda Elaine. Lucille traded in her cosmetology work for homemaking, tractor driving, and cooking for all kinds of occasions including harvest and branding days where she perfected her recipe for her famous coconut cream pie. These delicious pies were well known and even brought $80 at a school auction. Lucille was the mother hen of her family, always loving, but not afraid to crack the whip when needed.  She took great pride in taking care of her great-grandchildren. In addition, Lucille worked at Pritchett School for a number of years where she touched the lives of many children in our community. Lucille is survived by Daughter, Rhonda Wait; 4 grandchildren, Ron (Michelle) Wait, Alisha (Mike) Waggoner, Seth (Mandy) Verner, and Bethany (Jeff) Roberts; 11 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Inez Payne, husband, Dale Verner, son, Richard Verner, son-in-law, Charles Wait, and grandson, Rodney Verner.