Vernona June Heltzel

Vernona June Heltzel, 85-year-old longtime Ketchum resident, passed away Sunday, March 30, 2025, at home. She was born on September 7, 1939, in Dighton, Kansas to William Arthur and Francis Corinne Summers (Oldaker). She married Dwight Heltzel on July 1, 1960.

A member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Ketchum, Vernona was regularly active in the life of the church. In her younger years, she was a member of a Southern Gospel Quartet. In retirement, Vernona loved to spend time with her grandkids. In her spare time, she enjoyed puzzles and latch hooking. She often frequented the senior center where she participated in the activities, exercised, and had meals and fellowship with other attendees.

Vernona is survived by her children, John Christopher Heltzel (Michele) of Sweeney, Texas, and Lorri Sharp (David) of Catoosa; grandchildren, Joshua Wayne Sears of Claremore, Jacob Wayne Sears of Tulsa, and Morgan Lynn Heltzel Rogers (Cody) of Fort Worth, Texas; great-granddaughter, Harper Lynn Rogers of Fort Worth, Texas; and brother, Archie Summers.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dwight; parents; and brothers, Ralph Summers, Ronnie Blaine Summers, and Bill Summers.

The family will receive friends Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Luginbuel South Grand Lake Funeral Home in Langley. Graveside services will be held 2:00 P.M., Friday, April 4, 2025, in the Ketchum Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemoriesvinita.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of Luginbuel South Grand Lake Funeral Home. “Family owned. Locally operated.”