SOUTH BEND, IN - Verla C. Harsh, 99, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, January 7, 2019.

Verla was born on April 12, 1919 in Northfield, MN to Sadie M. and Milton E. Hilliard.

When Verla was a child, her family moved to Crawfordsville, IN where she spent much of her youth. Her father moved the family to South Bend in 1934 and Verla finished her formal education at Riley High School, graduating with honors in June of 1937. While at Riley, Verla, who was musically inclined, played the flute in the marching and pep bands. She had the distinction of being the first girl to direct the IU band when they visited South Bend.

After graduation, Verla went to work at the South Bend Credit Bureau.

On July 20, 1941 Verla married the love of her life, Vance Harsh. It wasn't long after that, Verla found out what it was like to be a military wife, when she moved to Ft. Riley, Kansas, where Vance was stationed before being sent overseas with the Army in WWII.

Verla loved to tell stories about life at Ft. Riley, the wonderful friends she made there, and the famous people like actor Dan Daly, designer Oleg Cassini, and actress Jean Tierney whom she ran into on the base.

After the war ended, Verla and Vance settled down to a peaceful life in South Bend and started a family, welcoming two children, Vicki Jo and Gerald Wayne.

In 1963 Verla became a widow after Vance died unexpectedly. She was left at age 43 to raise her children as a single parent. She once again entered the work force to provide a good life for her children. In 1971 she joined the staff of American National Bank, which later became Valley American Bank. She became head of the bookkeeping department and retired in 1989 after 18 years of service.

Verla had a number of interests during her lifetime, including playing the piano, sewing, gardening, and her bridge and poker clubs. Anyone who knew her was aware of her love for cats.

Verla was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, and brother, Gerald M. Hilliard.

Survivors include her daughter, Vicki of South Bend; granddaughter, Melissa Harsh; grandson, Kevin (Toni) Harsh; great-granddaughter, Cali Harsh all of Titusville, FL, and several nieces and nephews.

Per Verla's wishes, cremation will take place. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Hahn Funeral Home, Mishawaka has been entrusted with handling the final arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pet Refuge Inc., 4626 Burnett Dr., South Bend, Indiana 46614.

To leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.

Always kind to us was MOTHER
Always good and brave and true
Though her tasks were often heavy
She would always see them through

Never craved for fame and fortune
Never sought the spotlight's glare
Always working, sacrificing
Never failed to do her share

Now she's resting up in Heaven
In that blessed land above
Where there's no more pain or sorrow
Only joy and peace and love.