Verneda C. King, 95, of Tucson, AZ, died peacefully on November 17, 2020. She was born in Mannington, West Virginia, on December 23, 1924, as the oldest of seven children to Orie Ray and Lenore Toothman. She met the love of her life, Howard King, when they were children, and they married in June 1945 after he returned from service in WWII. While they were raising their young son and daughter in Fairmont, WV, where Howard worked as a mining engineer, Verneda went back to school and earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Fairmont State College. In 1961 she and Howard moved their family to Tucson for a better climate. Verneda taught at Flowing Wells High School for many years in the 1960s and earned a master’s degree in education from The University of Arizona in 1964. When Pima Community College opened, she began teaching business subjects there. In the late 1970s and early 1980s she took a few years off from her own career to accompany Howard when he assumed management positions in copper mining in Iran and pulp production in Brazil. They took advantage of that time to explore the world together, but Verneda was always happiest at home in Tucson with their family and friends. Her family was the focus of her life, and we will remember her always for her boundless love, devotion, and generosity. Verneda is survived by her daughter Sandra (Butch) Ruhl; sister Valerie (Richard) Hayes of Mannington, WV; granddaughter Christine King (David) Stierna; step-grandchildren Amy and Andy (Kelly) Ruhl; three great-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren, Bailey and Christopher Weitekamp and Lucy and Amelia Ruhl. She is predeceased by her husband of 73 years, Howard G. King, and their son Lloyd (Suzanne) King.
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Post an EventOur sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.
I will miss you Aunt Verneda! May you rest in peace! Aunt Verneda always had a smile for us kids growing up. And was always interested in how we were doing as adults. She always made you feel welcome in her home. Thanks for the memories Aunt Verneda!
Marana Mortuary & Cemetery
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.