Obituaries

Verne Righter

Verne Righter, age 99, died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, at his home at Butterfield Trail Village in Fayetteville. Verne Righter was born in Sullivan, Ill., on Sept. 15, 1913, to Jacob and Mertie Righter. Verne was the youngest of the five boys born to the couple. After graduating from Sullivan Township High School in 1929, Verne went to the University of Illinois, where he obtained a B.S. in dairy manufacturing in 1935. Verne and Mildred met while Verne was waiting tables while attending college. They married in June of 1935 and had four children. The couple settled near Chicago, Ill., where he worked for Barber Brothers, an ice cream company. Verne left the dairy business after several years to work for General Motors. He worked his way up from sweeping the floors to become the plant manager in Saginaw, Mich., from 1950 until 1953. Following Saginaw, Verne was transferred to Danville, Ill., until 1957 when he was assigned to the General Motors Central Office in Detroit. Verne retired in 1972 from General Motors. Verne and Mildred moved to Rogers in 1978. The couple moved to Fayetteville in 1988. Verne's greatest pride is his family. Verne and his family enjoyed many activities such as traveling, ice boating, skating and tobogganing. Survivors include his son, James Righter (Patricia) of Zionsville, Ind.; daughter, Mary Righter Hallmark (Jon) of Bayside, N.Y.; and son-in-law Gordon Modrall of Corrales, N.M. Survivors also include five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Verne is preceded in death by his wife, Mildred; son, Michael Righter; and daughter, Judy Righter Modrall. Memorial services were held on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013, at Butterfield Trail Village in Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Cremation arrangements are by Callison-Lough Funeral Home in Rogers.

Published January 9, 2013

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