Veryl Emma Firl

Veryl B. Firl passed away at her home on Tuesday, 24 September 2013 in peaceful slumber. She was 81 years of age. She was born on 1 April 1932 at Topeka, Kansas, her parents being Russell Ervin Bowen and Carrie Emma Montfoort of Richland, Kansas. She grew up on the farm settled by her great grandparents. Zadok Cramer Bowen and Minerva Jane Rankin Hale. She attended the grade school opened by her great grandfather and taught by her great grandmother. She graduated from Berryton High School, of the Topeka area. She achieved a B.S. degree in Home Economics and Education. She taught briefly at Cleveland, MN and occasionally in the local Rochester School District. Her major goals in life were to be a good wife, good mother and good homemaker, which her family agrees she fully achieved. She held a number of women's leadership positions in her church as well as other callings. She authored the Rochester Minnesota Stake History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Along side of her husband she was much engaged in genealogical and family history research. She was an accomplished quilter and was a member of the Northland Dulcimer Players Group. She was married to Donald H. Firl in Manhattan, Kansas on 20 December 1953. This marriage was later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple. To this marriage were born three sons and three daughters. Cara (James) Leeper of Orem, Utah; Heidi (Steven) Hilton of Clifton, Virginia; Jared (Krista) Firl of Rochester; Christopher (Kathryn) Firl of Rochester; Jennifer Kirtz of Lakeville, Minnesota and Thomas (Staci) of LaCenter, Washington. All survive, as well as 31 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. Surviving her also is a sister, Edith Bowen of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Services will be held Friday at the Rochester Minnesota Stake Building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints off East Circle Drive at 2:00 p.m., with viewing one hour before. Viewing will also be held at the Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening. Flowers and plants are most appreciated as memorials. The family will make a donation to a charity on Veryl's behalf. Veryl will be interred at Oakwood Cemetery. (Main)