Verla Jean Edwards, 96, passed away on January 9, 2019 at the Ness County Hospital in Ness City, Kansas. She was born on March 12, 1922 in Ransom, Kansas the daughter of Jesse and Nelle (Giddings) Dieffenbach.

She was a county clerk in Ness County. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and worked in the Thrift Shop. She was involved in the Ness County Historical Society. She married Virgil Klitzke on May 18, 1943 at Dodge City. She married Orvil Edwards on September 30, 1983, in Ness City, Kansas. He died on January 9, 1997.

Survivors include two sons, Fred (Donna) Klitzke of Phoenix, Arizona, Marty (Judy) Klitzke of Ness City; two daughters, Vicki (Randy) Betz of Ness City, Nancy Powers of Kansas City, Missouri; 2 stepsons, Ronald (Roseanne) Edwards of Jetmore, and C.E. Edwards; 15 grandchildren 21 great-grandchildren, and 2 step-grandchildren. She was also survived by three special friends, Donna Metzker, Becky Burrell, and Christy Seib. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, and one daughter, Sandra Seibel.

Funeral service will be on Monday, January 14, 2019, at 10:00 A.M., at the United Methodist Church, in Ness City, Kansas. Burial will be in the Beeler Cemetery. Friends may call at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on Sunday, January 13, from 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. with the family present from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Ness County Library or the United Methodist Church.