Verda Lou Bergner, daughter of Martin S. and Rena (Miller) Green, was born in Floydada, Texas March 28, 1913. She passed from this earthly life January 26, 2010 at the age of 96 years.

Her father, being a Master Blacksmith and welder, moved the family to different communities. Verda Lou began her early education in Sharon Springs, Kansas and completed High School in Enid, Oklahoma. She then went to college and received a B.S. Degree from Northwestern State University in Alva, Oklahoma and later a Masters Degree from Oklahoma University in Norman, Oklahoma. Verda Lou began her first teaching opportunity in Sibel country school and later Vici Public Schools.

On August 31, 1940 Verda Lou Green and Floyd Bergner of Mutual were united in marriage at Woodward, Oklahoma. The home was established on a farm west of Sharon. The couple milked cows, raised and harvested wheat and feed for the cattle, and sold cream and eggs. Verda Lou continued teaching in Sharon. In the year 1948, Verda Lou and Floyd brought into their home Harlow and Garland Gaston after the loss of their own dear mother. They opened their home and hearts and raised and cared for them like the sons they were.

In 1956 Verda Lou and Floyd moved from the family farm to Velma, Oklahoma and later to Noble. Verda Lou taught school a total of 42 years and received Teacher of the Year in 1974, from Noble schools. She was a member of Retired Teachers of Oklahoma and National Retired Teachers.

After retirement the couple traveled in their motor home and enjoyed time at their lots on Lake Eufala. Verda Lou enjoyed doing embroidery, crocheting and beading. She also took great joy in oil painting. She painted various pictures that we are grateful and proud to hang in our homes today. She was a joy to visit as one learned about the good ole days, hard times that helped you grow, and the accomplishments and success of her students. She delighted in hearing from and about her students. She understood why she chose to be a teacher.

Floyd and Verda Lou last resided in the Golden Oaks Village of Enid, Oklahoma. Verda Lou enjoyed very much the friends and fellowship experienced in her home there.

Verda Lou began her walk with God early in life and continued through all the seasons of her life. She was baptized in 1925 and was an active member in the Methodist Church. She especially enjoyed the words and messages of the old hymns, as they brought comfort to her in her last days.

Verda Lou was preceded in death by her parents Mr. and Mrs. Martin Green, her husband Floyd, and her sisters Frances Carver, Ruth Holland, Wilma Denny and Thelma Darbro. She is survived by sons Harlow Gaston and wife Peggy of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Garland Gaston and wife Pat of Noble, Oklahoma, her sisters Sudie Fae Stambaugh of Guymon, Oklahoma, and Ione Calkins of Meadowlake Estates in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, her sister-in-law Violet Turner of Vici, Oklahoma, many other loving relatives and numerous friends.

In memory and celebration, expressions of sympathy may be made to Golden Oaks for a tree to be planted in her honor or to the Oklahoma Medical Research.