Verna Malone

FUNERAL SERVICES : 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids, MN with Father Thomas Friedl officiating.VISITATION : 6-8:00 P.M. with a Parish Prayer Service at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, February 27, 2012 at Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.SURVIVORS : Her children: Dennis, Angela, Mary Jo and Kathy; her sisters, Dorothy and Verla, her identical twin; 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. VERNA MALONEOctober 30, 1934 ~ February 22, 2012 Verna Malone, age 77 of Park Rapids, MN formerly of Pine City, MN passed away on February 22, 2012 at St. Joseph"s Hospital in Park Rapids, MN. Verna was born on October 30, 1934 to Ray and Martha (Weston) McConnell, one of 11 children. She grew up on the family farm near Verndale, MN and attended the Verndale High School. Verna married William Malone on September 25, 1951. This marriage was blessed with 5 children: Dennis, Angela, Mary Jo, Amy and Kathy. There were many moves in the first 8 years. In 1964, the family settled in Pine City, MN and lived there until 1998 when Verna and Bill moved to their retirement home on Fish Hook River in Park Rapids. Bill passed away in 2006. They were married for 54 years. Verna raised her 5 children and then went on to a professional career as a social worker for Chisago County. Verna was an extensive world traveler. Her most memorable trip was to Switzerland and longed to go back some day. She loved her gardens and was a master gardener; she also belonged to the garden club. Verna belonged to the A.A and was a proud member, having just celebrated her 41st year of sobriety. She also belonged to TOPS and the Red Hat Club. Verna was a member of the Catholic Church in Park Rapids. She especially enjoyed being around her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Verna will be lovingly remembered by her children: Dennis, Angela, Mary Jo and Kathy; her sisters, Dorothy and Verla, her identical twin; 10 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Martha; her husband, Bill; her daughter, Amy; 5 brothers: Delbert, Jerry, Marvin, Harold and Robert; 3 sisters: Mildred, Stella and Betty and grandson, Steven Johnson. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids, MN with Father Thomas Friedl officiating. Barb Fick will be the pianist. The Alleluia Choir will provide the music. Casketbeares will be: Chris Malone, Scott Malone, Stewart Cedarleaf, Blake Cedarleaf, Grant Cedarleaf and Sammy Johnson. Visitation will be held from 6-8:00 P.M. with a Parish Prayer Service at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, February 27, 2012 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.