It is with fond remembrance that we celebrate the life of Velda J. Berning, who passed away peacefully on June 30, 2023, just a week after celebrating her 90th birthday. Born in Cosby, Missouri on June 23, 1933, to parents Arthur and Esther Schneider, Velda was a beloved cornerstone to her family, community, and church with an unyielding dedication to serving others.
Velda spent her childhood working on the family farm alongside her parents and siblings; Glen Schneider, Doris Sander, and Harold Schneider. It was there where she cultivated a deep-rooted love for the land and the Cosby community. Her life took a delightful turn when she married Charles Berning on February 4, 1952. Together, they continued the tradition of farming within the Cosby community, a lifestyle they cherished.
In 1985, Velda and Charles retired and moved to Bella Vista, AR due to Charles' health. Upon Charles passing, she relocated in 2014 to Kansas City, KS to live near her daughter and family in Bonner Springs, KS. Shifting her life once again in 2018, she moved to Benton House of Lenexa Assisted Living and then to Memory Care in 2022. Throughout these transitions, Velda remained steadfast in her devotion to her family and faith.
Velda is remembered as a loving mother survived by her children, Keith E. Berning (Debra) of Jenera, OH, Joylene "Joy" J. Price (Dennis) of Bonner Springs, KS, and Lynn C. Berning (Sherri) of Rochester, MN. She was a beloved grandmother to Anthony Berning, Jessica Berning-Hill (Dalton), Crystina Cole (Dan), Sondra Price, Spencer Berning, and Elise Berning, and a cherished great-grandmother to Evelyn and Eleanor Cole.
Her faith was a central component of Velda's life. A lifetime member of the Cosby Zion United Methodist Church, she later became an Associate Member of the Bella Vista First United Methodist Church and the Living Water United Methodist Church in Kansas City, KS. She is fondly remembered as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher. In leadership, she served dutifully as the president of United Methodist Women at Cosby Zion United Methodist Church and was deeply involved in the Stephen Ministry Program, Hope Circle, and the Agape Shepherd Group at Bella Vista United Methodist Church.
Moreover, Velda's service to others extended beyond the church. She was a valued volunteer at the Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville, AR for over 25 years and the Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, KS for 4 years.
Velda J. Berning will be most remembered for her faith-filled energy and her compassionate, loving nature. More than just the pillars of her long, rewarding life, these traits marked her as an extraordinary presence in the lives of those around her. As we mourn her loss, we also honor her legacy—the example she set through simple acts of kindness and the unwavering faith she demonstrated throughout her life. Her spirit will forever live in the hearts of all who knew her.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Thursday, Cosby Zion United Methodist Church. Interment Cosby Zion United Methodist Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service.
