Vera Jane (Bear) Hinnen, 96, of Holton, Kansas, went to be with her Heavenly Father on the 9th day of March, 2024 at the Vintage Park of Holton, Kansas.

Vera was born on the family farm near Russell, Kansas on July 26, 1927. Parents were Chester Bear and Faye (Newcomer) Bear. She spent her childhood and teenage years in the Russell Community and graduated from the 8th grade at Pioneer School in Russell County and graduated from Russell High School in Russell, Kansas. Vera attended Otterbein Methodist Church in Russell, Kansas.

After graduating high school, she moved to Holton, Kansas and began her career as a telephone operator for the local telephone company. She fell in love and married John Hinnen on 20th of December, 1976. They were married thirteen years when John went home to be with his Savior.

Vera was very active in the Holton Community and worked for twenty years at Craig- IGA and did volunteer work in the community specifically with the Jackson County Historical Society. Vera was an active member of the Evangel United Methodist Church in Holton, Kansas, and OES Meriden Chapter #399 for over 60 years.

Vera Hinnen, also known as Aunt Vera, is survived by friends in the Holton Community including Mark and Debby Knouft of Holton, Kansas; a sister, Mildred Fay Reiter of Bellview, PA; Gerald Brandenburg and wife Radonna Brandenburg of Russell, Kansas; Luke Brandenburg and wife Teresa of Russell, Kansas; Linley Brandenburg of Russell, Kansas, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Vera is preceded in death by her husband John Hinnen of Holton, Kansas; parents, Chester and Anna (Newcomer) Bear; brothers, Loren Bear, Floyd Bear, Vernon Bear, and Everett Bear (who died at one month old), and her best friend, Elizabeth Mansfield.

Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 14, 2024 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Inurnment will be at the Holton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to HCH Home Health and Hospice c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.