Sturgis - Verna Handley, longtime Lead resident, passed away Thursday, April 4th 2013 at Sturgis Regional Senior Care at the age of 89. She was born December 2, 1923 at Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, the second of five siblings. She grew up on a farm along the Missouri River at Peru, Nebraska. She attended school in Peru, graduating from Peru Preparatory High School. She attended two years of college at Peru State College where she received her teaching credentials and met her soul mate, Wendell Handley. They were married while he was home on leave from the Navy on June 21, 1944. They spent 57 wonderful years together before Wendell passed away on July 22, 1999. Life was never quite the same after that. Wendell and Verna began their married lives in Hot Springs, South Dakota where Wendell accepted a coaching position at Hot Springs High School and Verna taught grade school. In 1951, they moved to Lead, South Dakota when Wendell was hired to coach and teach. In 1953, Scott joined the family, followed by Ann in 1956. Verna was active in her children's activities, church and the community. She was the leader of the Hilltop Homemakers 4-H Club for over 10 years leading and mentoring many young women. She taught Sunday School at the Presbyterian Church and was active in United Presbyterian Women. Her community activities included the Lead Beautification Project, growing and planting flowers all over the community, development and support of the Mining Museum, Lead Chamber of Commerce Golden Gals, patron of the Historic Homestake Opera House and active in the development and maintenance of the Northern Hills Family Recreation Center. She was a strong promoter of Lead, the school system, and community activities. Verna also had a passion for sewing and quilting. She made and gave away numerous quilts to family, friends, and community fundraising activities. She belonged to Bide-a-Wee, a group of Lead sewing friends who met monthly to sew and visit. She developed a cherished group of quilting friends in Apache Junction, Arizona where she spent about eight winters. She was a member of PEO for nearly 50 years as a member of Chapters AR and L. In 2006 she was honored as a 50 year member at the State PEO Convention in Sioux Falls. In 2011, she was honored again as a 55 year member. Verna is survived by her son Scott of Nome, Alaska and grandchildren Kirk (Amber and son Colter) and Heather (Skyler Worthington), daughter Ann (Dale Tribby) of Miles City, Montana and grandchildren Sarah (Matt Stein and daughters Audrey and Charlotte) and Brad. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law Max and Marian Rogers, sister and brother-in-law Phyllis and Jim Finkle, sister and brother-in-law Linda and Gene Cattau, a brother-in-law Willard Hunzeker, and a very special niece, Jeanie Sonnenfeld. She is also survived by special friends Barb Handley, Jody Wright, Dick and Mona Tinker, Kay Trucano, and Bonnie Rainey as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Marge, and husband Wendell. Inurnment will take place at Black Hills National Cemetery with Wendell in early June.A memorial service will be held at that time. Memorials have been established for the Historic Homestake Opera House and the Northern Hills Recreation Center and can be sent to Dale and Ann Tribby, 703 S. Cale, Miles City, MT 59301. The family requests no flowers. Black Hills Funeral Home in Sturgis has been entrusted with the arrangements.