Verna Jean Slover

Verna Jean Slover, 86, passed peacefully on Oct. 10, 2026, in Reno, Nevada, in the loving presence of her children and grandchildren, drawing her last breath encircled by those to whom she gave their first.

Verna was born at home on March 22, 1940, in Clover Township, Minnesota, to Erving and Freda Pritchett. She grew up on a farm, where her father ran a sawmill. She was shaped by the values of a close-knit family and hard work. 

Verna often stated that she was glad to grow up back then, learning to work and always close to family. She shared these memories and values in her autobiography, Growing Up Working. She was especially close to her father, who taught her how to drive the equipment and the most efficient way to complete the job at hand.

Verna married Ronald Slover on Sept. 26, 1959, in Park Rapids, Minnesota. She raised a family of four—two daughters and two sons—and spent her early years as a dedicated homemaker in often difficult situations during her marriage to Ronnie. Later in life, with her youngest children still at home, she began and built an impressive career with the 4 B's restaurant in Libby, Montana. 

Starting out as a nighttime janitor, she advanced rapidly to cook, assistant manager and ultimately restaurant manager. She accomplished all of this while raising her youngest children, helping care for her first grandchild while braving a difficult marriage and ultimate divorce.

Through every circumstance, Verna served as the lifeblood of the family, connecting deeply with every member of her immediate and extended relatives. Throughout the years, she kept family bonds strong through correspondence. Letters, phone calls and an extensive list of birthday, anniversary and Christmas cards were sent to all members of every branch of the family, including in-laws. 

She was exceptionally close to all her grandchildren, always giving them thoughtful, personalized and often handmade gifts.

Verna grew up going to dances in Minnesota with her family and her love of dancing continued throughout her life. She also loved to read; her children would often see her stirring a pot with a book in hand while preparing dinner for the family. Verna enjoyed writing as well, particularly poetry and often wrote poems for family members to lift their spirits when they were going through a difficult stretch.

Verna will be deeply missed by all who knew her: by the sons and daughters to whom she gave so much, by the grandchildren who felt her love and by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Verna was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Erving and Freda Pritchett; her twin brother and sister, Leslie and Shirley, who both died in infancy; her husband, Ronald Slover; her sister, Joyce Walsh (survived by her husband, Dean); and her cherished daughter, Julie Huisentruit (survived by her husband, Roger).

She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Quinn (Dean); her sons, David Slover (Noi) and Jeffrey Slover (Carolina); her grandchildren: Jaisa, Alifair, Mandy, Nicole, Shane, Shanntel, Dustin, Andrea, Katy, Fai and Tori; her nieces and nephews: Rod, Bob, Jeanne, Sherry, Angie and Missy; and 10 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Schnackenberg and Riddle Funeral Home in Libby, Montana. Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg and Riddle Funeral Home of Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.