Service Time:  11:00 A.M.
Day and Date:  Saturday, August 29, 2009
Location:  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary - Russell
Guest Book Registration:  8 A.M. to  service time on Saturday, August 29, 2009 at the mortuary.
Family Greeting Visitors: The day of service, Sat., Aug. 29th.
Burial:  None
Memorial:  Otterbein United Methodist Church

Vera F. Karst, 68, of Russell, Kansas and wife of Gene Karst, departed this life on Thursday, August 20, 2009 at Main Street Manor of Russell.  She was born south of Luray on May 28, 1941 to Ernest and Lavina (Bender) Homewood.  She grew up with one sister Lois Boyd, now of Russell, and three brothers, Ben Homewood, deceased, David Homewood of Russell and Rocky Homewood of Skiatook, Oklahoma.  She was baptized into the faith at Luray United Methodist Church and attended Otterbein United Methodist Church in Russell.  Her first marriage was to Richard Stewart, they were united in marriage on June 28, 1959 in Luray.  This union was blessed with two children, Terry Lynn Stewart Branick and Brian (Clay) Stewart.  Richard preceded her in death on January 28, 1966. She later was united in marriage to Gene Karst on August 24, 1971 in Salina.  Vera worked as a bookkeeper in his business until it was sold.  Retirement meant having to go back to the farm where a hard day’s work was “food for the soul.”  Gene would laugh and say “I have to keep her tools in good working order.”  Family, nature and watching beautiful things grow were her loves.

Those left to sing songs not yet sung are husband Gene of the home, daughter Terry and Joe Branick of Russell, son Clay Stewart and wife Karen of Great Bend.  Six grandchildren: Misty, Dustin, Sunny, Westin, Desiree and Randi.  Great-grandchildren:  Macey, Micah, Maxson and Oliver.  Three step-sons:  Steve and wife Deb of Russell, Audie and wife Carolin of Great Bend and Darrell and wife Denise of Towanda.  Five step-grandchildren:  Deric, Marshall, Luke, Jared and Ashley along with seven step-great-grandchildren.  Preceding her in death are her father, Ernest and brother Ben.

A Celebration of Vera’s life will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday, August 29, 2009, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary Chapel in Russell with Pastor Earl Haggard officiating.  Graveside burial will not take place and cremation has preceded the service.  Memorials may be given to the Otterbein United Methodist Church of Russell and can be sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral arrangements. 

Vera’s Motto:  Life should not be a journey to the grave with intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming.  “WOO HOO what a ride!”