Verla L. Ringenberg, aged 74, passed away on January 5, 2025, in Lincoln, NE after an almost 20-year cancer battle. She was a devoted wife, mom, grandma, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Verla Lea White was born January 20, 1950, to Vern A. White and Wilda M. White (Applegate) in Gothenburg, NE and baptized in American Lutheran Church, Cozad, NE.
She grew up on a small farm 3 miles west of Cozad and attended a two-room country school through 8th grade. Verla graduated from Cozad High School in 1968. During her high school years, she worked as an A&W skating carhop and at the Rialto Theater.
After high school Verla attended Queen Anne’s School of Beauty in Kearney, NE and worked as a hair stylist in Gothenburg for two summers. In the fall of 1969, she enrolled in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to study elementary education. Verla was the first person in her family to attend college. While at UNL she met Jay Ringenberg, ROTC cadet. They were married on June 20, 1971, at American Lutheran Church in Cozad, NE and immediately moved to Fort Knox, KY.
In 1973 Jay and Verla moved to Lincoln, NE to raise their family. Verla went back to school part-time and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982 and a Master of Science degree in 1992. She spent 30 years teaching and writing curriculum for Lincoln Public Schools, most of that time at Lux Middle School as a 6th grade team leader, language arts and social studies teacher. Verla was the recipient of many local and state educational awards. She retired from teaching in 2011.
Verla had many hobbies including playing bridge, family genealogy, quilting, knitting, reading and volunteering. She volunteered in multiple roles at Sheridan Lutheran Church, the LARSP Board, and the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. Other than her family, Verla’s true love was traveling. Verla and Jay traveled extensively and visited 40 different countries and all the U.S. states.
Verla was a dedicated wife, loved her family fiercely, and thoroughly enjoyed spoiling her grandkids. She will be tremendously missed! Verla is survived by her husband Jay; daughter Nikki (Kelly) Wilken of Omaha, NE; son Anthony (Audra) Ringenberg of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren Broderick and Maxwell Wilken, Alexander and Lillian Ringenberg; brother-in-law Tod (Lorraine) Ringenberg of Elkhorn, NE; nephews Todd (Pam) Laird of Manhattan, KS; Scot (Kendra) Ringenberg and Kyle (Megan) Ringenberg both of Elkhorn, NE; and niece Katie (Drew) Berky of Omaha, NE.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Laraine Cullers and niece Ramona Laird.
Life Celebration Gathering will be from 5-7 pm Thursday, January 9, 2025, Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive.
Memorial service: 11:00 am Friday, January 10, 2025, Sheridan Lutheran Church, 6955 Old Cheney Rd.
Memorials to Sheridan Lutheran Church – Barnabas Community or The Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools.
Services
Life Celebration Service
5:00 pm-7:00 pm CST
Roper & Sons South Chapel
3950 Hohensee Drive (40th & Yankee Hill)
Lincoln, NE 68516
Memorial Service
11:00 am CST
Sheridan Lutheran Church
6955 Old Cheney Rd., Lincoln, Nebraska
Share a Memory or Condolence
Jay, I was so sad to hear of Verla’s passing. We had a death in our family too just after the holidays and I am just getting caught up with news. My deepest sympathy to you, Nikki, and Tony and families.
– Shirley Condon
Jay ,my condolences to you and your family.
– Jack Sukovaty
Jay, I was so sorry to hear of Verla’s passing. May you & all your family be comforted with wonderful memories. Our sympathy to you & your family.
– Penny Cariotto
We are so sorry for your loss of a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. May your memories help you in this difficult time.
– Geri Steinbrink
So accomplished and no fancy airs is what I admired about Verla. Will greatly miss co-grandparenting with this lady!
– Mary Friedly

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