Clara Vernelle Mock, 99, died on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha, Kansas.

Vernelle was born in Sabetha on March 13, 1924, the daughter of Joseph and Myrtle (Harrison) Lichty, and she was the youngest of three girls. Her father, Joseph, died when the girls were very young, so they were raised for the most part by their mother, Myrtle “Grammy” Lichty during the depression era.

Vernelle attended Sabetha schools and graduated from Sabetha High School in 1942. Following high school, she worked for several years at the Farmers State Bank in Sabetha. Vernelle married her high school sweetheart John “Jack” Mock on April 22, 1945, when he was home on leave from the United States Army Air Corps. They lived on air bases in Texas, Mississippi, and Florida until Jack- discharge. After his discharge, Vernelle and Jack returned to Sabetha where they lived the rest of their lives. The Mocks were parents of a son, Greg, born in 1947, and a daughter, Jo Mock Pugh, born in 1953.

Vernelle was a lifetime member of the Sabetha Methodist Church, and she was a long-time member of PEO. Vernelle was also a member of many study clubs, bridge clubs, and the Sabetha Country Club.

Vernelle was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack, in 1992; her daughter, Jo, in 2018; a grandson, Mitch; and her two sisters, Wilma Duey and Naomi Jorgensen.

Vernelle is survived by her son, Greg (Deann) Mock; her son-in-law, Bill Pugh; her two grandsons, Brad (Christina) Mock and Scott Pugh; her six great-grandsons; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Sabetha Methodist Church. Prior to the service, a visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church. The inurnment will be made in the Sabetha Cemetery following the service. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Sabetha Community Health Foundation, Sabetha Methodist Church, or the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, Kansas 66534. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com