WATERTOWN — Verna Backus, 86, Centennial Apartments, and widow of Osborne R. (Don) Backus, passed away Thursday, June 29th at the Samaritan Medical Center.
The funeral will be 1 pm Thursday, July 6th at the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Smith from the Salvation Army officiating. Burial will follow in the North Watertown Cemetery. Calling hours are from 11 am – 1 pm prior to the funeral on Thursday.
Verna is survived by her children Judy (William) Cain, Dianne (Neil Dicob) Backus, Barbara (Michael) LaMont, George (Cheri) Backus, Scott (Cheryl) Backus; beloved grandchildren William Cain, Jr, Thomas Cain, Chelsea (Nick) Martin, Michael LaMont, Amanda (Tyson) Stutz, Nichole (Matt Dietly) Backus and Katie Backus and a beloved great grandson Dominic Scott Martin; her siblings Mary-Ellen (Peter) Vitto and David D. (Jean) Hughes; many nieces and nephews; a son-in-law, Christian MacGregor.
She was predeceased by a daughter Sandi MacGregor on April 15th, 2009; siblings Mildred Hughes, Inah (Hughes) Eichorn, Richard Hughes, Edna (Hughes) Jones, William Hughes, Jr. and Robert Hughes.
Verna was born in Carthage, April 3, 1931, a daughter to William J. and Sarah North Hughes. She graduated from Watertown High School in 1950. Verna worked at the Woolworth Five and Dime from 1950-1956. She later worked at the Salvation Army Thrift Store for many years.
She married Osborne R. (Don) Backus on April 18, 1952. Don was the son of George and Effie Backus of Beacon, NY. Mr. Backus passed away July 7th, 1974.
Verna loved to bake cookies with her family, read and help others. Verna was a blessing to all who knew her. She was the heart of the family for all her children.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Condolences may be made online at www.reedbenoit.com.