Verle Maynard Peters

May 28, 2024

Verle Maynard Peters was born to Francis Peters and Anna B Mininger Peters on June 29, 1936, in Ithaca, Michigan. He passed away on May 26, 2024, at his home in Davisville, Florida, one month before his eighty-eighth birthday.

Verle spent his early childhood years in Ithaca, where he began attending school at the Smith Allen Country School. When he was ten years old, he moved with his family to Walnut Hill, Florida, where he worked with his father on a dairy farm. He continued his education at Ernest Ward School. At the age of 12, Verle accepted the Lord as his personal Saviour. He was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, on February 13, 1949, by his father, Minister Francis Peters. He remained faithful to these vows until his death.

On September 9, 1956, he was married to Vesta Wenger. They shared life’s joys and sorrows for 67 years. They spent the first two years of married life in 1-W service in New Mexico at Tucumcari and Greasewood. The first of their seven children was born during their time of service. Verle and Vesta returned to Walnut Hill, where he operated a dairy for 8 years. Deep sorrow entered their lives during this time as they laid two of their little girls to rest in 1962 and 1963. He loved row crop farming and took great joy in watching his crops grow.

Verle answered the call to the ministry and was ordained on February 1, 1967, at the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church. He loved the church and served faithfully for many years. Several new congregations also called him pastor as he willingly served as their non-resident minister. In 2004, Verle and Vesta moved their membership to the new Southern Harbor Mennonite Church in Davisville, Florida.

Daddy had an outgoing and generous nature with sparkly blue eyes and a ready smile. We loved his humor and his love for life. He thoroughly enjoyed his ice cream, popcorn, and seafood. Dad was a rock for us children and had solid advice when we needed it. We loved to hear Daddy pray and we were often told that he prayed for us children and grandchildren every day. He was lovingly called “Papa” by his grandchildren and many others. Through the years, Dad and Mom opened their hearts and home to a number of girls who became part of the family. In later years, Erik Olson and his son, Michael, joined us also.

Those left to cherish fond memories are his loving wife, Vesta; four daughters and one son: Diane and Hank Kaufmann, Davisville, Florida; Joan and Terry Hibner, Fountain Run, Kentucky; Dean Peters, Davisville, Florida; Anita and Harlan Hibner, Ithaca, Michigan; and Gloria and Brian Rolin, McDavid, Florida; twenty-three grandchildren and thirty-nine great-grandchildren; many cousins, nieces and nephews; Erik and Renae Olson; special girls: Becky and Barry Kaufmann; Elizabeth and Jason Nikkel; Samantha, Elizabeth’s daughter; Valarie and Roger Swarey; and Angela and Ben Nichols; five siblings: Wilbert and Imo Peters, Beatrice Riggs, Louise and Abe Ensz, Lois and William Eicher, and Kathleen and John Wenger.

He was predeceased by his parents; parents-in-law; two daughters, Darlene Kay and Barbara Lou; two great-grandchildren; one brother; fourteen brothers-in-law; and ten sisters-in-law.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Southern Harbor Mennonite Church.

Active pallbearers will be Wade Kaufmann, Rusty Kaufmann, Eric Hibner, Dylan Peters, Gabriel Beachy, and Sidney Rolin.

Honorary pallbearers will be Donavon Kaufmann, Judson Hibner, Charles Hibner, Derek Peters, Kevin Rolin and Michael Olson.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Southern Harbor Mennonite Church.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries