Verna Rae Westby, age 66, resident of Binford, ND passed away Saturday, October 22, 2011 at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND.

Verna was born in Miller, SD on March 24, 1945 the daughter of Lester and Eleanor (Almond) Gaudig. She grew up and attended school in Miller, SD. On May 31, 1963 she married the love of her life, Jerry Westby in Miller, SD. They moved around the country before settling in Leonard, ND where they owned and operated the grocery store. Verna was also a school bus driver for the Leonard Public School. In 1991 they moved to Binford and operated Jerry's Place. Verna drove school bus in Binford for over 10 years and most recently was a cook at the Coachman Inn, Cooperstown, ND. She enjoyed family gatherings at Stump Lake , sewing, crocheting, reading and doing puzzles.

Verna will be missed and remembered by her husband Jerry of Binford, ND; her children Lori (Robert) Messner of Binford, ND, Lynn (Tyler) Anderson of Lisbon, ND, Sandra (Jesse) Bunn of Conde, SD, Jerry Westby, Jr. of Fargo, ND, Stephen Westby of Fargo, ND and Jessica Westby of Bismarck, ND; 5 grandchildren Katherine (Bill) Carlson, Nicholas Anderson, Jason Anderson, Nora Bunn and Carson Bunn; her sister Barbara (Kenny) Dugan of Crescent Valley, NV; her brother Leslie (Tootie) Gaudig of Tea, SD and her brother-in-law Lowell Waters of Wessington, SD.

Verna was preceded in death by her parents and sister Betty Waters.

Memorial services for Verna will be held on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 11:00 AM in the Trinity Lutheran Church of Binford, ND.   Officiating will be Reverend Kara Wiechmann.  Organist will be Theresa Fiebiger and special music by Nikki Boote and Paul Adrian, Jr.