ELLINWOOD — Verna Marie Hewitt, 97, passed away Dec. 10, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at her home in rural Ellinwood, Kan. She was born on Oct. 9, 1928, in Great Bend, to Fred and Mary (Janne) Hiss. On June 18, 1952, Verna married Kenneth Hewitt in Great Bend. He passed on June 29, 1997.

A lifetime area resident, Verna was a dedicated farm wife, having met her husband while working as a grocery store clerk. She was a graduate of Great Bend High School. Verna was an active member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, participating in bake sales and soup suppers. She also attended services at First Congregational United Church of Christ and helped with quilt making.

Survivors include her children, Connie Herpich of Burdick, Steve Hewitt and wife Carol of Meade, Arlene Hewitt of Ellinwood, and Darlene Hewitt of Ellinwood; three grandchildren, Lindy Anthony and husband Jake, Tabetha Letterle and husband Chris, and Faith Stoughton and husband Eddie; six great-grandchildren, Brittani Kapsin, Piper Anthony, Jayden and K. J. Letterle, and Nathaniel and A.J. Stoughton; one great-great-grandson, Archer Letterle; brother, Loren Hiss of Great Bend; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; granddaughter, Nicole “Nikki” Kapsin; son-in-law, Thomas L. Herpich; two brothers, Edwin and Lawrence Hiss; and sister, Marilyn Button.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery. Visitation will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, with family receiving guests from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been designated to Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 13, 2025