VERABELLE HOLLINGSHEAD

Verie lived her life with a generous and joyous spirit with a desire to make others feel special, which included welcoming new residents, hosting neighborhood coffees and many social events in the family home. Verie never knew a stranger and is remembered for her happy outlook on life and assisting others. She loved sharing her fresh baked homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, cookies and cakes.

Verie was born on July 16, 1927 in Wahoo, Nebraska to R. Eunice and Earl Webb. At age 12, her family moved with Fareway Stores to Webster City, and she graduated from Webster City High School in 1945. She continued her education at MacMurray College for Women (IL), Grinnell College and University of Northern Iowa, where she earned a degree in elementary education.

On June 17, 1951, she married the love of her life, Dr. Caryl Hollingshead with whom she shared more than 67 years of happiness together. She cherished time with her family, whether at the home she built with Caryl, or packing up the station wagon to see extended family around the country, or visiting the homes of her children. She always wore her heart on her sleeve when it came to family, who affectionately called her their “energizer bunny.”

Verie’s strong Christian faith shone brightly as a lifelong member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, where she married Caryl and raised three children. She was also the cradle roll chair for more than 35 years and a Diaconate Board Member for the church.

Education was her passion–as an elementary teacher for 25 years in the Webster City Schools; forming and chartering the local chapter of American Association of University Women (AAUW) with her mother; and financing an annual AAUW scholarship. Verie also loved giving back to her community as a Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout den mother, United Fund Board member, and PTA president. She was an original member of Hospital Auxiliary, Iowa President of the American Foundation of Vision Awareness, Iowa Optometry Auxiliary President, and recipient of Webster City Jr. Women’s Club Woman of the Year. She loved writing community articles for the local paper and most recently, was on the Webster City Beautification committee.

Verie was known for biking around Webster City, always greeting everyone she encountered with a smile and wave, even riding up the Des Moines Street hill to Hilltop School. As active members of the Country Club, golf was an integral part of her family’s activities. She enjoyed gardening, and sharing her flowers with others. She and Caryl enjoyed making new memories and adventures by traveling throughout the U.S., Europe, Mexico and Canada during their retirement years and spent many winter months in the warm sunshine of Donna, Texas, where she took delight in joining the Red Hat Ladies.

Verie is survived by her loving husband Caryl; children Rachel (Philadelphia, PA), Sue Ellen (Memphis, TN), Mark (Ponte Verde Beach, FL) and grandchildren Hunter & Regan Hollingshead (Naperville, IL).

Verie would be humbled if you choose a charity of your choice or the Education Scholarship fund at the First Congregational UCC, Webster City, Iowa in her honor.