Vera Maurine Dickson Herider passed from this life on February 25, 2010 at the age of 104 years and 10 months.
Recently of Iconium, Missouri and originally of Marshall, Missouri, she was born on April 6, 1905 in Saline County, Mo., daughter of the late Arthur Neff Dickson and Maggie Belle Figgins Dickson. Vera was a member of the Concord Christian Church near Arrow Rock, MO.
Vera was united in marriage in September 24, 1927 at Marshall, MO. to Melvin Conrad Herider who preceded her in death March 18, 1971. Melvin is buried in Mansion Memorial Park, in Ellenton, Florida.
Vera attended Hardeman Elementary School in Saline County Missouri and as was the custom at the time, attended school until just the eighth grade.
After school Vera went to work at the International Shoe Factory in Marshall, Mo. in 1926 sewing boots. She was laid off from the shoe factory and shortly following her lay off she was rehired by International to Fulton, Mo. sewing children shoes. Vera continued to work in the shoe factory eventually was promoted to inspector and left the employ of International in 1935.
Vera gave birth to daughter Lora Belle in 1935 and after short work stints in Fulton and Jefferson City, Vera and husband Melvin returned to Marshall, Missouri where they owned and operated the H & S Motor Company from 1940 thru 1953 and also owned and operated the Herider Construction Co. in Marshall and Warrensburg, Mo. They retired to Florida in 1966. Vera worked in the dietary department at the Manatee and Sarasota Hospitals. The family returned to Missouri in 1981 where Vera lived with daughter Lora Belle and family until her passing.
Vera was preceded in death by brothers William Arthur Dickson, James Randall Dickson, sister Lora Hook of Marshall, Mo. and granddaughter-in-law Zelma Suiter.
Vera is survived by one daughter, Lora Belle Herider Suiter, wife of James Estelle Suiter and three grandchildren, James Melvin and wife Charmayne, Randall Gene and wife Gina Suiter, Joyce Suiter Doty and husband Dale Doty.
In addition, she is survived by five great grandchildren, nine step great grandchildren, two great- great grandchildren, several step great-great grandchildren, niece Bettie Jane and husband G.W. Fritz of Copperas Cove, Texas, niece Patricia Ann and husband Dennis Gruntorad of Grass Valley, California plus three great nieces of Texas.
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