SHEPHERD - Verna Lee Kays, 58, of Shepherd, passed away, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, May 19, 2007.
Verna was born to Earl Vern and Charlotte Jean (Petsch) Gilbert on Dec. 1, 1948, in Kimball, Neb. She attended school in Kimball until the family moved to McCook, Neb., in 1965. She graduated from McCook Senior High School in 1967 and attended Mary Lanning School of Nursing in Hastings, Neb., for one year. As a child Verna belonged to 4-H, played the piano and took ballet lessons. She grew up on the family ranch playing with her dogs, cats, horses and sisters.
Verna married her love, William "Bill" Kays on June 1, 1970, in Lincoln, Neb. They spent several years traveling on the Burlington Northern Railroad line in their "bunkcar." Bill retired from the railroad, and they moved to Bozeman in 1979. In 1991 they moved to Shepherd. Bill died in August of 1997, and Verna's life was never again the same. She missed him and mourned his passing for the remainder of her life.
Verna worked for many years as an Office Manager for Chambers-Fisher in Bozeman, and most recently for RGIS in Billings. She was smart, efficient, and "really knew her stuff!" Verna also worked for the Yellowstone County News and wrote the Historical Column. She enjoyed doing the research and bringing the past to life. She was a dedicated employee, and the friendships she made through work lasted throughout her life. She was a devoted and loving sister, auntie and a friend to all. She will be remembered by those who knew her as giving more than she received and expecting nothing in return.
Verna's hobbies included crocheting, tatting, doing crossword puzzles and reading "cheap" romance novels. She also had cats and dogs throughout her life and loved them dearly. Verna volunteered most of her adult life as an election judge, and at the Billings Clinic Infusion Center since being diagnosed with cancer in October, 2005.
Verna was preceded in death by her husband, William Kays; her parents, Earl and Charlotte Gilbert, and infant brother, David, and her pets, Toby, Chet, Cricket, Paws, Peanuts and Skipper. Verna is survived by her sisters, Jean Gilbert-Cole (Bruce), Melody Farrar (Harold), Suzanne Gilbert, Seth and Ross Sweley, Melody's children, and Logan and Jade Cole, Jean's children, and her special friends, Cee Warren, Rae Rogers and Joy Nebel.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Verna's life will be held on Saturday, June 2, from 1-4 p.m. at Best Western Kelly Inn & Suites, 4915 Southgate Drive, Billings. Please join Verna's sisters and family in celebrating Verna's life.
Verna's wishes were for a Memorial Fund to be established at the new Cancer Center being built by Billings Clinic. Memorials can be sent to: Billings Clinic Foundation, P.O. Box 3566, Billings, MT 59103-3566. Checks are to be made out to "Billings Clinic Foundation." In the memo line, or with an attached note, please specify your memorial is for the "Verna Lee Kays Memorial Fund."
Verna's family express sincere appreciation and gratitude to all of the people who touched Verna's life, your friendships and loving care were a gift to her. She held each and every one of you in her heart.

Published by Billings Gazette on May 31, 2007.