Verva Ann Lacy

Verva Ann Lacy

Verva Ann Lacy was born to Reverend P.K. and Elsie Flaming in Fairbury, Nebraska on August 21, 1935.

She graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas with a Bachelor's Degree in Education and earned a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

It was in the summer of 1956 that she learned of a teaching vacancy in Springfield, Colorado and applied and signed the contract by mail before graduating from Hardin-Simmons. She had originally planned to return to her previous hometown in California. However, she met her sweetheart, Wayne Lacy, and they were married in June 1958. Verva taught in the Springfield Elementary School system for 37 ½ years. She truly loved teaching and never stopped supporting her students.

Verva Ann adored Springfield. She wrote in her journal that she "loved living in this little town where people care about each other and work together to have the best schools and health care possible in a rural community."

Despite being unable to play sports due to having polio as a child, Verva was an enthusiastic sports fan, particularly of the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies. However, the real highlight for her was cheering on her children and grandchildren in their activities.

Verva served faithfully in the First Baptist Church of Springfield as a Sunday School teacher, pianist, member of the choir, committee member, and soloist with a voice that many say they still hear when they recognize one of her favorite songs.

God called Verva Ann Lacy home on May 27, 2023, while she was a resident at The Craig Senior Living in Amarillo, Texas. She died peacefully.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Reverend PK. and Elsie Flaming; her husband, Wayne Lacy; her brother, Reverend Dr. Peter James Flaming; her son, Patrick Lacy; son-in-law, Tom Shumate; and a granddaughter, Cassandra Shumate.

Verva Ann is survived by her children, Amy Kemper of Canyon, Texas; Kristen Schmidt and her husband Kent of Springfield, Colorado; and Tino Rice and her husband Michael of Abilene, Texas. Surviving grandchildren are James, Lacy, Daniel, Andrew, Verva Jean, Michaela, Miranda, and David. Great grandchildren are Rylan, Slade, Tatum, William, and Caroline.

Verva is survived by many nephews and nieces, along with a host of many who were welcomed as family.

Verva’s life and her example to others is mirrored in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, which reads, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

God is Good, All the Time!

Memorial contributions may be given to the First Baptist Church, 801 Church Street, Springfield, Colorado, 81073.