Clear and Breezy, 32° F
(Dec. 26, 1926 - May 22, 2009)
Mary Jane (Price) Verbin-Qualls, 82, died Friday, May 22 at West Park Long Term Care Center in Cody.
She was born Dec. 26, 1926 in Pittsburgh, Pa., the daughter of Bessie May Price and Charles Milton Price. She attended schools in Pittsburgh. She married Francis Preuhs in 1942, and to this union had three children, Daniel Francis, Robert Charles and Cynthia Ann. Mary was later divorced and remarried to George Verbin in Pittsburgh in 1976. While in Pittsburgh, she worked at Ricks Ice Cream Co, Clark’s Candy Co., Bankers Lithographic Co., and she sold furs at Kaufmann’s department store. Upon George’s retirement, they moved to Cody to be near family members.
Mary was active in church her entire life, teaching Presbyterian Bible school back east, and she was a member of the Cody United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women, Esther Circle.
She loved animals and belonged to the Humane Society, the Wildlife Federation, and she supported the Paralyzed Veterans of America, among other charities. She supported the performing arts and started a scholarship fund at Clarion College in memory of her son.
The happiest years of her life were while she was raising her children. Mary also loved to garden, read and decorate. She always loved piano music, so she began piano lessons at the age of 76.
She is survived by her beloved companion, Alva Qualls; son Robert Charles Preuhs (Cathy); daughter Cynthia Ann Payler (Mark) of Powell; and two granddaughters.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George Verbin; eldest son Danny; a brother and four sisters.
Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 20 at the Cody United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery.
Donations in Mary’s memory can be made to the Humane Society in Cody or to Caring for Powell Animals.
