Obituary of Verna Stoddard

Verna (Mc Culley) Stoddard, 89, of Vestal, died at United Methodist Home, upper Front Street Binghamton, NY Predeceased by Parents, Fred and Ida McCulley, Husband Byron Stoddard, Brother Fred Mc Culley, Matthew Kuehling (Grandson). Verna was born on Frederick Street in Binghamton New York in 1931. The family then moved to Vestal, NY up on top of the hill, Anderson Road. Verna was always an enthusiastic participant in every sport at school, plus social activities such as the Drama Club and School Newspaper. She excelled in school and had many friends and was a very social person. While still in High School she met a young handsome man from Endicott, Byron Stoddard at the popular "Old swimming hole" in Choconut Creek on Juneberry Road. Verna graduated from Vestal Central High School. Her first jobs were over in Endicott on McKinley street at Woolworth, where she enjoyed being responsible for the Music in the store, all day long Verna would change records and she became a follower of a lot of music in the 40's and remembered the words to them forever. She also got to utilize here creative side by decorating windows as well at stores in Endicott. She really loved music and Christian Music became her favorite, again memorizing song after song even when her memory was going away. Music and Scripture were imbedded in her brain and a comfort to her all her life. "Then came marriage" Byron and Verna were the first couple married in the, then new Pilgrim Holiness Church on Chenango Street in Binghamton. Where Verna became a very active participant in the church even in later years, she would go out on visitation with Marjorie Warner to tell people about Jesus! "Then came Babies" Five children beginning with Cindy, Bonnie, Linda, Julie, and finally a Steven! At the age of 36 Verna went to work at Salvation Army, then later to Wilson Hospital with no experience she jumped in as a Nurses Aid and then learned how to become a "unit receptionist", learning all about the processes and pharmaceuticals to become a valuable support for the Doctors and Nurses on the floor. She worked there for 26 years before retiring while still keeping very busy with her growing family (grandchildren) and being very active in Binghamton Church. Once retired, she enthusiastically volunteered to become Mrs. Santa for Town of Vestal Parks and Recreation. Byron got involved by buying, modifying an original horse drawn sled into a 3-wheeler drawn sled driven by Barney. This went on for around 25 years, who then was replaced by her Daughter Julie. Many festive gatherings after the affair to entertain Township volunteers with her famous "pecan rolls". Verna is survived by Daughters, Cindy Couch and son-in-law Gerry Couch, and two children and three grandchildren, Bonnie Stoddard, with three children and eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren and Son-in-law Robby Ashley, Linda Kuehling, with two children and three grandchildren, Julie Stoddard has six children, and one step daughter, and grandchildren and one great grandchild, Steven Stoddard, one daughter and two grandchildren, and two great grandchildren and three step children and, Daughter-in-law Beth Stoddard. Note: the world has lost a loving, caring citizen, and that loss is Heavan's Gain! We will miss you! Funeral Services will be held at Coleman and Daniels Funeral Home on 765 Main Street, Vestal NY 13850 on Wednesday, December 2nd at 10 O'clock AM.