The Herald Democrat
January 3, 2010 

DENISON - Verna Mae Allen, 82, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009 at Texoma Medical Center in Denison. 
The Rosary service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4 at Bratcher Funeral Home, 401 W. Woodard St., Denison, with visitation to follow until 8 p.m. The funeral home will be open at 1 p.m. Sunday. 
The Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 314 N. Rusk, Denison, with Fr. Stephen Mocio officiating. Interment will follow at Georgetown Cemetery in Pottsboro. 
Pallbearers will be Ronnie Schnitker, John Schnitker, Johnny Weger, Mark Schnitker, Bob Schnitker and Curtis Clement. Honorary pallbearer will be Brunson Choate. 
Verna Mae was born on Sept. 2, 1927 in Muenster, the daughter of Joseph and Bertha (Herr) Schnitker. Verna graduated from St. Xavier's Academy in Denison. She married Charles Allen on June 22, 1946. She worked at Freel's Department Store, Lilley's Department Store, Young Fashions, was a manager of Top Value Stamps and a sales person at Janet's Fashions. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America and Ladies Auxiliary to the B.P.O.E. No. 238. 
Verna Mae was a superb cook and loved to have the family gathered together. She always had words of encouragement and strength in difficult times. Her ability to never waiver after her illness struck her was one of her amazing gifts. She loved flowers of all kinds and would enjoy long drives and wildflowers along the way. Her strength, courage and faith inspired and comforted us in our own struggles through life. 
She enjoyed wildlife and had a deep appreciation for the magnificent natural landscapes. But, we think her greatest pride came from being with her family members as she adored her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her love and strength will be missed greatly. Her faith in God was unwaivering. 
Verna Mae is survived by her husband, Charles "Dick" Allen of Pottsboro; children, Charles E. Allen and wife Jody of Denison, Carol Brownlee of Denison and Mary Kathryn Conary and husband Donnie of Denison; four grandchildren, Michelle, Stephanie, Brandy and Colby; nine great-grandchildren, Chelsea, Grant Jr., Stephanie, Brandon, Blake, Zoe, Zaiden, Devyn and Dylan; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Bertha (Herr) Schnitker; sister, Margaret Hughes; brothers, Alfred, Joseph, Eugene, Clarence "Dutch" and Wilford Schnitker. 
Memorials may be made in her name to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer Society . 
Arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Bratcher Funeral Home, 401 W. Woodard St., Denison.