Viola Verlee Kaufman, 89 of Keithsburg, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m., Wednesday, February 4, at the New Boston United Methodist Church. The funeral service will directly follow at 2 p.m. Burial is in New Boston Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to New Boston United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left at www.fippingerfuneralhome.com.
Verlee was born on June 9, 1936, in Toolesboro, Iowa, to Emit Walter and Delta Leora Catherine (Walker) Hake. She was united in marriage to James R. Kaufman, the love of her life, on November 27, 1954, on her parents’ family farm. Together, they raised three girls, Linda, Cathy, and Krista. Verlee adored her family and treasured the time she spent with them. She was a gifted artist who expressed herself through painting and drawing, and she found joy in playing the piano, reading, and baking to satisfy her sweet tooth.
Faith was very important to Verlee, and she was a devoted member of New Boston United Methodist Church. She served for many years as the secretary for the Westmer United Methodist Larger Parish and also gave her time as a lay speaker and leader of youth Bible studies. In addition to her work within the Methodist Church, Verlee also helped fill in as a speaker for Shinar Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Those left to cherish Verlee’s memory include her loving husband, Jim of Keithsburg; three daughters, Linda (Dan) Schrock of Aledo, Illinois, Cathy (Larry) Dennison of Seaton, Illinois, and Krista (Tim) Watts of Mediapolis, Iowa; and grandchildren, Dustin (Stacy) Schrock, Lindsay (Rich) Meeker, Kelsey (Doug) Huston, Brandon Dennison, Kaitlin (Jose) Marceleno, Tasha Upton, and Ashlyn Watts; and several great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Emit and Delta Hake; granddaughter, Sara Lynn Schrock; great grandson, Konnor Lihs; brother, Robert Leroy Hake; and sister, Bonnie Harter.