Vera Conklin

Vera Irene (Collett) Conklin, 99, of McPherson, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, August 10, 2011, at Loving Care of McPherson. She was born at home in Cashion, Oklahoma on August 28, 1911. She was the first of eight children born to Andrew Charles and Pearl (Broadbooks) Collett. She attended schools in Geary, Oklahoma, and graduated from Geary High School. In 1928, the family moved to McPherson, Kansas, where Vera graduated from Central College, class of 1931.

On December 23, 1934, Vera was married to Peter B. Conklin, who was an earth-moving contractor. Pete had served his country in a Naval Construction Battalion during World War II. Pete preceded her in death on August 9, 1963. Vera worked for the Carl Anderson Insurance Agency. Later, she worked in the offices of the McPherson Police Department for 25 years.

Vera was a member of the Free Methodist Church where she enjoyed volunteering in the church library as well as visiting home-bound church members. She was also a member of the McPherson Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Vera loved flower gardening and working in her yard.

Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Debra Conklin of Worland, Wyoming; grandchildren, Robert Conklin, Kelly Conklin, and Carissa Conklin McComb; ten great-grandchildren; sisters, Joy Sorenson of McPherson, KS, Ruby Simpkins of San Bernardino, CA, Letha Cooke of Tulare, CA, and Rhoma Mikkelson of Salem, OR; and numerous nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Pete; her son, Robert P. Conklin; her parents; two brothers, Andrew Collett and John Collett; and her sister, Ellen Moore.

A memorial service will be at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at Stockham Family Funeral Home with Rev. Tom Griffith officiating. Burial will precede the service at 9:00 AM, Tuesday, at the McPherson Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until service time, Tuesday, at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be given to Central Christian College of Kansas or the Free Methodist Church in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Vera Conklin please visit our Sympathy Store.