Luverne "Vernie" James

Luverne “Vernie” Vos James, 89, departed from this life on December 20, 2023 while at Taylor Hospice House.

Vernie was born September 29, 1934 at her family farm east of Altoona, Iowa, where she spent the early years of her life. She graduated from Southeast Polk High School in 1952. Vernie worked in the secretarial/administrative field off and on over the years in both Iowa and Louisiana. She worked in the Jefferson Parish Recreation Department in the New Orleans, Louisiana metro area. Vernie also worked at the Altoona Library and at Altoona City Hall in various positions over the years.

Her favorite things were newborn babies, gardening, reading, working puzzles, and spending time with her family.

Vernie is survived by her daughters, Ruth (Al) Diaz of Ankeny, Iowa and Susan (Ed) Hoefl of Lakeway, Texas; five grandchildren, Ray (Suji) Diaz of McKinney, Texas, Phil Diaz of Cranberry, Pennsylvania, Jamie (Charlie) Reulet of Vacherie, Louisiana, Megan (Daniel) Riley of Prairieville, Louisiana, and Donnie (Rebekah) Coulon of Denham Springs, Louisiana; 10 great-grandchildren, Brennan (Kayla) Dugas, Kevin Friloux II, Jameson Reulet, Camille Riley, Cooper Riley, Alexis Coulon, Ashton Coulon, Abigail Coulon, Dylan Diaz, and Giselle Diaz; one great great-granddaughter, Kennedy Dugas; and her sister, Toni Brackett of Altoona, Iowa

She is preceded in death by her husband, Wesley James; son, Frank James; parents, Lester and Mabel Vos; brothers, John Robert Vos, Don Vos, and Jay Vos; sisters, Kay Farwell and Jean VanDerLeest.

Vernie’s wishes were to be cremated and the family will hold a private memorial at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Taylor House at www.UnityPoint.org or by check to UnityPoint Hospice-Taylor House at 3401 E. Douglas Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50317.

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