VERNA McCOLLUM

Verna Mae McCollum, 87 of the LaBelle Manor Nursing Home, formerly of Maywood, Missouri, died at 7:35 am Wednesday (May 20, 2009) at the LaBelle Manor Nursing Home.

Born May 1, 1922 in Wyaconda, Missouri, Verna was the daughter of Elza and Grace Herberth Speer. On May 3, 1952 she married Robert Royce McCollum in Carson City, Nevada. He preceded her in death on August 27, 1987.

After retiring from Motorola in Quincy where she served as supervisor, Verna and Bob owned and operated West Quincy Auto Parts from 1960 to 1973. After the flood of 1973, they farmed in Marion County.

Verna enjoyed working outdoors on the family farm and had a deep passion for animals. Her claim to fame was being featured in the Quincy Herald-Whig for her dairy cow, Annie, giving birth twice to identical twins. She was known for her milk products and farm fresh eggs that she delivered to family and friends. She was known to pull a few pranks in her time. She also loved visiting with her neighbors.

Survivors include her granddaughter, Tina Reichert and her husband Todd, of Quincy; her daughter-in-law, Janet Pollock of Quincy; a sister, Edna Speer of Moberly, MO; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. McCollum was preceded in death by a son, Richard L. Pollock; a daughter, Verna Lee Cawthon; a son-in-law, Glen Cawthon; her parents; and several brothers and sisters.

Graveside services will be held Friday morning at 10:00 in Greenmount Cemetery .

There is no visitation, but friends are invited to the services. The Zehender Robinson Stormer Cookson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Blessing Cancer Center or the Quincy Humane Society.