Verda May Bires

Verda May Bires, age 94, of Maumee, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at Ridgewood Manor, Maumee, Ohio. She was born to John and Lenora Padgett in Illinois, but she grew up in Maumee, Ohio after her father received the position of caretaker at the Lucas County Fair Grounds. She graduated from Maumee High School and married Charles John Bires in 1940. Although Verdas primary job was a homemaker, she worked at Libbey Glass, some retail stores and for many years as a Maumee City Schools crossing guard. She loved history and knew much of the history of Maumee, she was also her familys historian. Verda was known for her sewing skills, especially quilting. She loved crocheting, embroidering, quilting, cooking, and reading and writing poetry. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Toledo (now Living Hope) for over 30 years, where she served faithfully in the nursery. She was also an officer with the local AARP chapter, and a volunteer quilter at St. Lukes Hospital. Verda is survived by her children, Sharon (Joseph) Vislay, James (Sandi) Bires, John (Donna) Bires, Paul (Diane) Bires and Lee Ann (James) Moline; grandchildren, Carrie Jo (Tim Demecs) Haeck, Peggy (Daniel) Blodgett, Stephen Vislay, SueAnn (Dave) Mahnke, Amy (Gene) Cole, Michael Bires, Robert (Lucinda) Bires, Jeff Bires, Kimberly (Trent) Chamberlain, Heather (Andy) Reynolds, Ryan (Candice) Moline, and Brooke Moline; 12 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandsons, and step grandson, Kevin (Gloria) Sauerwein Also surviving is her sister, Jane Phanuef. Verda was preceded in death by her husband in 1989; brothers, Harvey, William and John; and sisters, Maryann Kocsh, Alice Poland and Rosella Padgett. The family would like to thank the staff of Ridgewood Manor for their loving care of Verda over the last five years. Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at the Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant Street, Maumee, Ohio. Funeral services will be held at 1pm Monday, December 7, 2015 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to Alzheimers Association Northwest Ohio Chapter, 2400 N. Reynolds Rd, Toledo, OH 43615, or the Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 E. River Rd, Perrysburg, OH 43551. Online condolences may be given at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.