Verna Ruth (Mack) Rountree

Verna Ruth Mack Rountree, 89, known affectionately as “Nanny” to many, was called to her heavenly home on Saturday, November 18, 2023. She has finally had her long-awaited reunion with her husband, Jack Rountree, and son, Larry Rountree, whom she loved and longed for daily.

Born on August 7, 1934, in Pleasant View, Kentucky to the late Stuart “Toots” & Pauline “Polly” Foley Mack, Verna was one of five children. She spent her childhood and youth in Pleasant View among her large extended family, where she spent many days making fond memories with cousins who were as close as sisters. After graduating high school at the young age of 16, Verna later married her childhood sweetheart, Jack Rountree, and together they moved to Mt. Sterling, KY, to begin their family. After raising her three children, Verna worked for several years as a bookkeeper for Warren Lumber Company, and then as the secretary of the Mt. Sterling First Church of God. Her impeccable work ethic and attention to detail made her an invaluable member of the team, earning the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Verna actively participated in the community and was a faithful servant of her Lord Jesus Christ. She was a devoted member of the First Church of God, where she found immense joy and comfort. Verna lovingly served as a member of the Women of the Church of God, selflessly supporting various charitable initiatives, and fostering a close community of faith. She also enjoyed worship and various outings with her many friends in the Heritage Group.  Her unwavering devotion to her church and fellow members will always be remembered.

In her spare time, Verna had a passion for reading and eagerly delved into countless novels, expanding her horizons through the power of storytelling. She also enjoyed the camaraderie of bowling, relishing in the friendly competition and moments shared with friends. Verna was an avid supporter of UK basketball, cheering on her Wildcats with enthusiasm and loyalty. It brought her great joy to see her family gathered together to watch the game, and she reveled in the triumphs and shared heartache of her beloved Wildcats. Win or lose, she remained a faithful fan.

Verna’s greatest love was her large, close-knit, loving family who meant the world to her. She is survived by her children Teresa (Mike) Hargis and Ray Rountree; her daughter-in-law Sandy Rountree Combs; her grandchildren Kim Hall, Tracy (Brad) Hays, Ben (Julia) Hargis, Maria Clark, Brandon Rountree, Hannah (Cody) Steele and Jordan (Jacinta) Rountree; her great grandchildren Tyson (Hannah) Pitts, Ryan, Grant and Luke Hays, Addison, Eli and Analee Hargis, Kaiden Rankin, Addison Clark, Dane, Drake, Damien and Halle Rountree, Madelyn and Frazier Steele, and Jaxon, Jocelyn and Jonah Rountree; her great-great grandchildren Everly, Lettie and Jack Pitts; her brother Tootie (Sharon) Mack; her sister Rhonda (Gary) Foley; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her longtime friend, Louise Shoemaker, whom she loved dearly. In addition to her husband and son, she was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters Vivian Lynch and Ailene Powers.

Visitation will be held at the Mt. Sterling First Church of God on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 from 10:00 – 11:00 am, with a celebration of a life well-lived immediately following. Verna’s final resting place will be at the Pleasant View Cemeteries in Pleasant View, KY following a short graveside service. Prayers, condolences, and memories are gratefully accepted.   Pastor David Dooley and Pastor Ben Hargis will be officiating. Verna’s passing has left an unfillable void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, and she will be incredibly missed. Her memory will forever remain alive in the hearts of her loved ones.

Pallbearers: Jordan Rountree, Brandon Rountree, Tyson Pitts, Luke Hays, Grant Hays, Ryan Hays, Brad Hays, Cody Steele.

Honorary Pallbearers: Great Grandchildren, Great Great Grandchildren, Heritage Sunday School.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the First Church of God in Verna's honor.