Emma Verla Hale Greer

Emma Verla Hale Greer, 92, of St. Johns, Arizona, passed away in her sleep, Monday, February 27, 2023 at her son’s Jeff’s home in St. Johns. She was born February 13, 1931 in Springerville, the daughter of Admiral Sheldon Hale and Martha Chloe Burk.

Verla learned to play the piano at age 8 and played her whole life. She loved to play the piano and sometimes the drums with local bands in her younger days.

She graduated from Round Valley High School in 1946. After graduating, Verla took a job at Western States Telegram as a telephone operator. She was the Round Valley Rodeo Queen in 1949. She met Philip Lacy Greer in Round Valley in 1949. They were married April 5, 1950 and settled in St. Johns where she and Phil raised 9 children and remained there until her death. Phil and Verla loved to dance and shared that love with their children.

Verla worked at Valley National Bank for 14 years. She loved bowling on a league in Show Low. One of Verla’s dreams was to learn to fly, so she completed flying lessons and passed her solo flight test. Verla learned to swim as an adult and encouraged others to learn. She enjoyed watching her son, Tom Greer, jockey, race horses whenever she had the opportunity to attend.

Verla and Phil left a legacy of 35 grandchildren, 97 great grandchildren and 18 great great grandchildren. Verla was so much fun to be around. She will be missed by all.

Verla is survived by her sons, Jeffery W. Greer, St. Johns; Donovan Shane Greer, St. Johns; and daughters, Sheldean Cluff, Show Low; Shirley Ann Shumway, Mesa; Chloe Darlene Mineer, St. Johns; and Crystal Ann Webster, Flagstaff.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Admiral and Martha Hale, brothers, Vernal Rue Hale, Ferrell A. Hale, Clifford Hale, Clinton Sheldon Hale, husband, Philip Lacy Greer, sons, Benjamin Philip Greer, Sr., Alan Clark Greer, Thomas Garth Greer, grandsons, Clinton Ray Greer, Corey Alan Greer, Taylor Lynn Shumway and great-great grandsons, Kai Mitchell and Krew Mitchell.

A funeral service will be held Friday, March 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, St. Johns Downtown Chapel, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow the services at the St. Johns Westside Cemetery.

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