ATHENS, IL – Verna E. Behl, 79, passed away Monday, April 9, 2018, at Memorial Medical Center.

She was born October 13, 1938, in Davenport, Iowa, to Harry V. and Dorothea (Lampe) Nordmann. She married Morris Behl on July 9, 1980.

She was preceded in death by her son, Richard Ritz; daughter-in-law, Carol Ritz; three brothers and a sister.

Verna was an active member and volunteer at Sandridge New Hope Baptist Church in Petersburg. She enjoyed puppeteering and bowling.

She is survived by her husband, Morris; children, Connie (John) Dickerson, Danny (Florence) Ritz, David Ritz, Mike Ritz and Roger (Tina) Ritz; step-children, Dana (Jeff) Homer, Thomas Behl, Arthur (Carrie) Behl and Kenneth (Amy) Behl; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A memorial gathering will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at Sandridge New Hope Church in Petersburg, with Pastor Jim Augenstein officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Sandridge New Hope Baptist Church.