Barbara K. (Brenyo) Verlich

Message from Kathy Gibson Ruffing

Barb and I were friends throughout high school. We had some crazy adventures! She was also a bridesmaid in my wedding. She was a very caring friend and will be greatly missed.

Message from Lizz (Baldovski) Bowler

It seems like Barb and I have always known each other from childhood, attending the same church, Ascension. We went through Catechism, First Holy Communion, Sodality, and many other functions the church had for us. She always made a boring time fun with her sense of humor. She could see a funny situation in anything we did. Her caring and warmth for others was always there. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Message from Jeff George

Barbara and I sat next to each other in 9th grade homeroom and constantly chatted back and forth--we talked and laughed about EVERYTHING. How we didn't get in trouble I don't know! We had fun. I miss that.
+MEMORY ETERNAL!

A candle was lit by Linda on February 24, 2017 1:46 AM

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At the passing of my dear friend Barb, I cannot let her leave this world without paying tribute to the wonderful person she was. I've known Barb since we were both 15. Funny, strong, caring - filled with mischief in her youth - a realist with the heart of a romantic as life unfolded. Loyal and supportive - during the devastating illness that took her, she never once complained, never felt sorry for herself, was never bitter - she never let the focus be on her - she always wanted to know how everyone else was doing - what was going on in their lives. She rejoiced in the good things that happened for others, even when there were none happening for her. That's who Barb was.

She cared more about everyone else than she did about herself. Generous and trusting - she would offer whatever she had to others without hesitation. She never put herself first. She worked very hard in a physically demanding job - all the while maintaining her home, and continuing to be the excellent cook and talented baker that she was.

When she struggled, she never asked for help. She forged ahead. When she had very little, she invited others into her home for Thanksgiving dinner, or to stay at her place until their lives got back on track. She never expected anything in return. Sincerely self-effacing, she didn't know what a lovely person she was. I always envied her beautiful hair - which she colored every color there was when we were teens! - yet her hair remained thick and strong to the end.

ALS quickly took away her ability to speak and then in time her ability to write on the board she used, or send text messages so we could keep in touch. It was an ever evolving and increasing loss for the past not quite two years since she was diagnosed with this cruel disease. But her mind remained sharp. She knew what she wanted and how she wanted things to be. Her passing, while not unexpected, came suddenly. If you believe in heaven, then Barb is surely there now - finally at peace with no more suffering.

I am blessed to have had Barb as my friend. She was the one who created so much fun for our group of friends when we were young. She was the one who stood by others and propped them up when life knocked them down. She was the one who saw beauty in an often ugly world. She was the one who made you feel good about yourself because she saw the good in you. Never one to mince words, she would keep things real without hurting feelings.

I will not say goodbye to Barb because I believe her spirit lives on - and if there is any way for her to intervene for the good of her family and friends, she will do so in the life she now leads in heaven. I pray that is her reward. She earned it.

Dear Barb, thank you for being a friend in the truest sense of the word. You were - and I know you will remain - a valuable presence in my life. God bless you. Rest In Peace.