LaVerne L. Ziegler, 77

LaVerne “Vernie” Lucille Ziegler was born November 19, 1946 in Winner, SD to Raymond “ Zig” and Dorothy Ziegler. She would become a big sister when Rick (or as she always called him Ricky) was born in 1950. She grew up in the Winner/Martin area, spending a lot of time at the family cabin in Dark Canyon in the Black Hills with childhood family/friends The Westaby’s.

Vernie attended and graduated from Bennett County High School. She would then go off to college at Black Hills State where she met her “Best Friend” Jane. Vernie then met and married Dennis Arnold and brought two boys, Brandon Ziegler and Justin Eugene, into the world. No matter where Vernie was, Martin was always “Home”. She returned to Martin and earned her bachelor's teaching degree with a minor in music at Oglala Lakota College. This was the start of her career as a teacher at Crazy Horse in 1989 and she continued teaching at both Vetal and Martin Elementary. She loved all her students and it was very common to hear “Hey Mrs. Arnold” when she was out and about.

Vernie retired from teaching in 2013, to spend more time with her five grandkids and travel to see lifelong family/friends. Vernie’s love for music showed in her beautiful voice when she sang and when she played the piano. She was quite the gardener, always planting beautiful flowers and gardens (tomatoes and cucumbers were her favorites). She loved the outdoors and would spend countless hours out in the sun. Vernie was a very religious lady and was an active member of St. Katharine’s Episcopal Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, aunt Eloise, uncle Tom, aunt Cel and uncle Harold. She is survived by her sister-in-law Mary; niece Amber; her sons Boommer (Jennifer) and Justin (Patti); her grandkids Miranda, Kadence, Cannon, Ryker and Mazie; plus many friends she loved as family.

Services were held at St. Katharine’s Episcopal Church in Martin with Friday evening Mass followed by 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 2, 2024 Funeral Service. Burial followed at the Martin Community Cemetery. Holmes Funeral Home of Valentine was entrusted with the arrangements.