VaLera Ann Groening

At the age of 90 years, VaLera Ann Groening (Neufeldt) died peacefully and without pain on April 10, 2022 at Advent Health Medical Center due to complications from a heart attack. VaLera was fully cognizant up to the end and exhorted her family surrounding her to live their lives for Jesus. VaLera spoke tender good-byes to her husband, Harvey. Their marriage of 69 years was a wonder to behold, full of grace and love. Surviving her death are her four children and their spouses: Gary Groening (Barbara), Steven Groening (Lynne), Bonnie Erickson (Joe), and Gregory Groening (Wendy). VaLera had eight grandchildren whom she adored: Laura Simone (Groening), James Groening, Christopher Erickson, Jessica Ryan (Erickson), Angela Bolen (Groening), Melody Hayward (Groening), Bret Groening (preceded in death), and Bradley Groening. VaLera had 12 great-grandchildren, a huge joy in her later years: Claire Simone, Audrey Simone, Ella Rose Groening, Adelaide Groening, Zoe Bolen, Eli Hayward, Remington Hayward, Grace Erickson, Gwyneth Erickson, Viviana Ryan, Charles Ryan, and Oliver Groening. VaLera was born on November 6, 1931 on the family farm near Inman, Kansas to her parents, George G. Neufeldt and Emma Neufeldt (Wall). VaLera was born 11 months after her brother Emerson, who preceded her in death. VaLera and Emerson grew up in a Mennonite farming community with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, all who had farms. VaLera often related fond memories of her large extended family consisting of laughter, sharing of farm labor, and celebrations. Following marriage to Harvey on January 27, 1953. VaLera took on the duties of housewife and mother providing excellent meals for many people and raising frequently out of control children. When the children were small, the family moved to various residences in Lawrence, Kansas, Santa Ana, California, and Fremont, California, eventually returning to Lawrence to settle down. VaLera possessed a strong purpose in life of serving her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She grew up in the Mennonite Brethren Church and accepted Jesus as her personal savior at a young age. As an adult VaLera was active with serving in various churches they attended including Free Methodist Church, Mustard Seed Fellowship, and River of Fire Church, all in Lawrence. She was involved with Christian Women’s Club and Women Aglow. She organized and led neighborhood Bible studies. VaLera, together with Harvey, was an ordained minister with International Apostolic Ministries. VaLera influenced and helped many people in her various ministries. Celebration of Life service will be on Thursday April 14 at 2:00 at Maple Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery. Memorial gifts can be made at Kevin Ford Ministries (kevinfordministries.org) A live stream of services will begin at 2:00 PM at https://fb.me/e/2s2dsI8X0

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VaLera Ann Groening

November 6, 1931 - April 10, 2022