POMONA, Kan. – Vera Mae Flory was born March 25, 1940, at her parents’ rural home near Centropolis, Kan. She was the second child born to her parents, Ammon and Vesta (Smith) Crist. She passed away Aug. 17, 2026.
At an early age, her love for animals became apparent. Vera would often wander out into the pasture to be among the cattle and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. In her early years at home, Vera helped her family on the farm and with the many duties and chores of running a home. She also worked outside the family home, doing odd jobs, including ironing, house cleaning and babysitting.
After four years of dating, she married Donald Flory, Feb. 12, 1961. The couple moved to Evanston, Ill., where they both worked at Evanston Hospital. Vera continued working until just a few days prior to the birth of their first daughter, Shirley. After two years, the couple moved back to Kansas to be closer to family and friends. They were later blessed with two more children, Betty and Eldon.
Vera later took outside cleaning jobs to help supplement the family’s income. She cared for the home and raised her three children. Vera also took a very active role in assisting with the family’s cattle herd. She had a gift for walking among the cows and being able to tell if one was sick or in need of medical attention.
Vera was an avid gardener and enjoyed raising and canning her own produce. She had a natural love for the family’s pets, which included dogs, cats and chickens, and at times raccoons, possums and crows.
Vera was a devoted wife of 65 years and a loving mother who enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She had a quiet nature about her and will remain in our hearts and memories forever.
She is survived by her husband, Donald Flory; three children, Shirley Howell and husband Sid Oxandale, Betty Brubaker, and Eldon Flory; eight grandchildren, Candace Krell, Katrina Litch (Tyler Litch), Casey Hess, AJ Campbell (Chrystal), Micah Flory (fiancée Maria), Lily Butler (Jacob Butler), Christopher Brubaker (Whitney Brubaker), and Curtis Brubaker (Tiffany Brubaker); great-grandchildren Joey Hess, Regan Hess, Brooks Litch, Roosevelt Krell, Brynnley Litch, Myles Campbell, and Isabella Butler, Lane Brubaker, Laci Brubaker, Colt Brubaker, Kyna Brubaker, Kinsley Brubaker, and Joleene Brubaker; brother, Alvin Crist (Sara Crist), Baldwin City, Kan.; and nephew, Allen Crist (Beth Crist), Lawrence, Kan.
Funeral services will be 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at the Feltner Funeral Chapel, Lyndon, Kan. The family will receive friends following the service until 8 p.m., at the chapel.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Croix Hospice, sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451. Condolences can be left at feltnerfuneralhome.com.
