Verlee Fay Backues (Shockley), 84, of Belle, entered unto eternal rest Monday, Aug. 7, 2023 at her home surrounded by family.
She was born Dec. 25, 1938, a daughter of the late John Edward and Veta May (Gibbons) Shockley in Belle.
She was a lifelong Belle resident and a 1956 graduate of Belle High School. She was also a lifelong member of the Faith Baptist Church and a devoted follower of Jesus.
Verlee was united in marriage to Marvin Edward Backues, June 18, 1960. They had just celebrated 63 wonderful years of marriage. Marvin survives in the home.
She raised three children while working as a secretary for the Belle Counter factory (shoe factory) for 41 years. She also worked part time as a teller at the Belle State Bank for a few years.
Verlee’s first love was her family. She enjoyed feeding anyone who came into her home. You were never allowed to leave hungry. She was famous for her chocolate sheet cake. Verlee and Marvin spent a lot of their free time traveling with their friends, Lena and Bernie McIntire and Viginia and Wimp Woolley, visiting 48 states. She enjoyed being outside, burning brush, helping with cattle, making quilts, doing puzzles and organizing the family garage sales. Verlee was a hard worker, loved like Jesus, had a true servant heart and beautiful soul. She will be missed greatly by all who knew her.
Verlee is preceded in death by grandparents; parents, John and Veta; brother, Leonard “Deacon” Shockley; brothers-in-law, Harold “Wimp” Woolley and Jake Backues; and sister in-law; as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends.
She is survived by husband, Marvin; children, Toleda Jett and husband Terry of Belle, Trent Backues of Jefferson City, and Terak Backues and wife Trina of Belle; grandchildren, Garrett, Kanon, Genna, Brittni, Claire, Graci and Cambell; great-grandchildren, Cody, Elli, Brody, Rylan, Emerson, Kaison, Karson, Sloane and Baby G; sister, Virginia Woolley of Belle; and brother, Jerry Shockley of Belle; plus many nieces, nephews, and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and will be announced by Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Faith Baptist Church fellowship fund.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sassmann’s Chapel, Belle.
