Verna Bess Ferrell Fletcher

Verna Bess Ferrell Fletcher, 98, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 29, 2025. Verna was born on January 31, 1927 to John William Chapman Ferrell and Marjorie Johansen Stephenson. She was raised in Huntsville alongside her beloved siblings on their family farm. Living and working on their farm instilled in Verna a strong work ethic that served her well her entire life - gardening, waking up early to walk with friends, and caring for her family.

Verna attended Weber County Schools and graduated from Weber High School in 1945 where she served as Student Body President.

Verna met David Eldon Fletcher at a Valentine’s Dance in the valley. They began dating, and their romance bloomed as Dave went off to serve as a B-17 bomber pilot in World War II. After returning home safely from serving 35 missions, they continued growing their love and then married in the Salt Lake City Temple on August 27, 1947. They were sealed by President David O. McKay who was a personal family friend of Verna’s and fellow Huntsville resident.

Dave and Verna settled in Ogden and raised their children in their family home where Verna lived until her passing. They were blessed with five children; Baby Fletcher - who died in childbirth, David Ferrell, twins Dianne and Joanne, and Laurie.

Her life was centered around her Savior and love of His gospel. She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Verna served in a variety of callings which included Stake and Ward Relief Society President, and Stake and Ward Organist.

She was a very talented pianist sharing her talents not only at church, but also with hundreds of piano students over the course of 40 years. Verna played the piano for school programs, grandchildren to sing, wedding receptions, and famously on every single Christmas Eve for her family to sing carols while they waited for Santa to arrive.

She was a fantastic cook. She showed her love for those around her with delicious dinners, famous potato salad, orange rolls, the sweetest cinnamon rolls, and a beautifully frosted plate of cookies every Christmas. She was also an expert seamstress who sewed countless dresses, outfits, and anything else her family needed.

Verna exemplified longevity and fortitude living alone with little assistance in her later years; enjoying puzzles, music, and visits from her daughters and family.

Verna’s greatest joy and blessing in life was her family. All 11 of her grandchildren would say they were her favorite. Grandma was always there for her family; attending everything and anything she could. She cared deeply about all of her family and prayed for their happiness and safety daily. Seeing Grandma was the highlight of any family event. We are so blessed to have had her for 98 cherished years.

Verna is survived by her daughters Dianne Eddy (Norm) of Clinton, UT, Joanne Nanney (Lee) of North Ogden, UT, and Laurie Richey (Blaine) of Ogden, UT. She leaves behind a legacy of faith and joy in her 11 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her dear sister and best friend, Joyce Montgomery of Huntsville, Utah. Verna was preceded in death by her husband David Eldon Fletcher, infant daughter, son David Ferrell Fletcher, parents William and Marjorie Ferrell, and brothers Neil John Ferrell and William Rex Ferrell.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Country Hills Ward, 1401 Country Hills Drive. Friends may visit with family on Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 at the church. Interment, Ogden City Cemetery.