Verna Loper

Verna Loper, age 86, a resident of Portland, passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Persimmon Ridge in Portland. 

Verna was born July 3, 1937, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the daughter of Robert and Loretta (Barton) Hilbish. She married Charles Loper Jr. on June 8, 1974, and he passed away on Nov. 24, 2015.

Verna worked for Portland Veterinary Clinic and The Commercial Review in Portland as an advertisement consultant, carrier manager and in the circulation department. Verna was a member of The Rock Church in Portland and Women of the Moose. 

Survivors include:

Her children — Patricia “Patty” Laub (husband: Dennis), Fort Wayne, Indiana, David Baldwin, Greenville, Tennessee, Barbara Stone (husband: Rick), Columbia, Maryland, William “Bill” Baldwin (wife: Renee), Portland, Indiana, Charles “Chip” Loper (wife: Robin), Bright, Indiana, and Susan Fortner, Lafayette, Indiana 

Sister — Jean Hartman, Fort Wayne, Indiana 

Thirteen grandchildren and several great-grandchildren

She was preceded in death by her stepson, Scott Loper. 

Visitation will be held on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland. Pastor Matt Ransom will officiate and burial will follow at Green Park Cemetery in Portland. 

Memorials may be directed to Jay County Humane Society. 

Condolences may be expressed at williamsonspencer.com.