Vera Louise (Creutzmeyer) McKenney, 82, of Sabetha, Kansas died on Monday, April 1, 2024, at her home surrounded by family.

Vera was born on March 19, 1942, in Horton, Kansas, the daughter of Louis Carl Creutzmeyer and Rose Mary (Berneking) Creutzmeyer. Vera attended grade school in New Malden, a rural one room schoolhouse outside of Horton. She graduated from Atchison County Community High School in Effingham, Kansas in 1960. Then, Vera attended Highland Community College where she met the love of her life on a blind date. Vera graduated from college in 1962. On June 2, 1962, Vera married her true love, James Richard McKenney on her parents’ farm in Horton. Four children were born to this union, Shari Sue, James Louis, Tami Jo, and Debbie Ann. Vera also raised Jim- nephew, Nick Bernhardt, and welcomed him into their home after Vera- sister-in-law was murdered.

Vera worked at Montgomery Ward while attending college. While Vera- children were in school, she was a full-time homemaker. Additionally, when her children were young, she worked part-time from home reporting local school news and writing articles for the Sabetha Herald. After all the children left home, Vera worked full time at the Sabetha Herald writing articles and typesetting for the weekly paper. After leaving the paper, she worked at Brockhoff Manufacturing, Ampride, Koch Truck Line, and a few other locations assisting in their accounting departments.

Vera was active in the Sabetha Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and served as the PTA President for multiple years. Through the PTA, she brought movies to the old City Hall auditorium for families to enjoy. Many will also remember her working with the City of Sabetha and being known as the person who closed Jefferson Street to allow children to sled safely. She was also active in the community serving on the United Brethren Church Board and assisting with national elections.

Vera and Jim enjoyed boating and fishing. For many years from Memorial Day to Labor Day, they were at the old Sabetha Lake every weekend camping with the family in a large tent. She also assisted the City of Sabetha with permits at the lake. Vera spent many years at the Sabetha Bowling alley where she enjoyed numerous trips with her bowling teams across the United States competing in national tournaments.

Vera always put others in front of her needs and was a very giving woman. She enjoyed her family, reading, and working jigsaw puzzles. Vera loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and attended as many of their activities as possible.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim; her son-in-law, Dennis G. Enneking; and her daughter-in-law, Cassie McKenney.

Vera is survived by her son, James; her three daughters, Shari (Dale) Williams, Tami Haffner, and Debbie (Danny) White; her 13 grandchildren; her seven great-grandchildren; and her sister, Mary Anna (Darrel) Kellerman.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha. Prior to the funeral service, a visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Popkess Mortuary. Inurnment will be made in the White Cloud Cemetery in White Cloud, Kansas at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Nemaha County Home Health & Hospice in Sabetha, sent in care of the Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, Kansas 66534. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com.