Vera Lucille Lemon Lare joined her lifelong partner in Heaven on Monday, April 13, 2015 at the age of 94 years 1 month and 1 day. She was born on the family farm near Kirwin, Kansas on March 12, 1921 to proud parents, Chase and Melva Bartlett Lemon. She attended Pleasant Ridge country school where she graduated from the 8th grade. Vera was an only child and had to herd cows by herself in the summers.
On August 25, 1940 she was united in marriage to her childhood sweetheart, Ralph Lare. To this marriage of 56 years three children were born: Shirley, Jennifer, and Bryan.
Vera was a homemaker for many years while the children were growing up. She worked in the school lunchroom and as the children got older she took the job of Postal Clerk at the Kirwin Post Office. After a few years she advanced to become the Postmaster, a position she held for 20+ years until her retirement. She was always amazed how someone with only an 8th grade education could hold such a position.
Vera was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Phillipsburg, Kansas for many years. She was very pleased to be chosen as the Kirwin Old Settlers Queen. She enjoyed her friends and their special lunch runs to the Triple C in Glade.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Chase & Melva Lemon; her husband, Ralph Lare; and her son-in-law, Jim DeBey.
Vera is survived by her children, Shirley Fox & husband, Earl, of Westcliffe, CO, Jennifer DeBey of Kirwin, KS, and Bryan Lare & wife, Carol, of Edgerton, KS. She enjoyed watching her seven grandchildren: Tyler and Trent Lare, Laurie Coulter and Kyle Fox, Deanell Wieland, Janine Wagner and Jodie DeBey. She was also blessed with 12 great-grandchildren: Shaun, Jeremiah and Bentley Lare; Hattie Jo Lare; Kacey and Rebecca Coulter; Deven, Dacey and Delaney Wieland; and Malorie, Camrie and Jayme Wagner.
Vera will be remembered for her countless acts of kindness; she was always a willing worker when there was work to be done. Her gardens and flower beds were always the envy of everyone. She will be sadly missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 17, at 10:00 a.m. in the First Lutheran Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Joel Hiesterman officiating. Burial will follow in the Kirwin Cemetery, Kirwin, KS.
Mrs. Lare will lie in-state on Wednesday from 5-9 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg. The casket will remain closed.
Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice Services or the First Lutheran Church