Verna Mae Shaffer, 82 of Russell died Tuesday morning, October 5, 2010 at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.

Verna was born February 26, 1928 in Dorrance, Kansas the daughter of Henry G. and Marie (Schmidt) Claussen.  She grew up and attended school in Dorrance.

Verna was united in marriage to Bernie Erbert.  This union was blessed with two children, Jeff and Julie.  Later in life she was united in marriage to Glenn Shaffer on December 26, 1986.  Glenn preceded her in death.

Verna was a devoted mother and homemaker.  She also worked at the Russell Regional Hospital for over 14 years as a nurse’s aid.

Verna was a member of the Bunker Hill United Methodist Church and the UMW.  She also was a life member of the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Ladies Auxiliary and the Order of Eastern Star.  She loved camping, going to Branson, Missouri, family gatherings and decorating for the holidays.

Surviving family include her son Jeff Erbert of Blue Springs, Nebraska; daughter, Julie Bender (Rick) of Topeka, Kansas; sister, Eunice Garrett of Russell, Kansas; four grandchildren, Kerri Cushing (Chris), Matthew Bender (Tanya), Heather Meyer (Toby) and Heath Erbert (Mona); and 9 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, step-son Robert Shaffer, and brothers Leo Claussen and Jerry Claussen.

Celebration of Verna’s Life will be held at 4:00 P.M. Thursday, October 7, 2010 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.  Interment will follow at the Bunker Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be from noon to 8 PM Wednesday and 9 AM to Service time on Thursday.  The family will be present to greet friends from 3 PM to Service time on Thursday.  Memorials have been established with Southwind Hospice or V.F.W. Post #6240 Ladies Auxiliary.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, who is in charge of these arrangements.