Verna Jean Sly

Verna Jean Sly died peacefully on April 18, 2025, in Paso Robles, California surrounded by loved ones. She was born on February 2, 1938, to Walter and Charlene Leffel in Inkster, Michigan and spent most of her youth in Wayne, Michigan. Upon graduating from Wayne Memorial High School in 1956, she was awarded the Detroit Edison Scholarship and attended Olivet College. In 1958 she married her high school classmate and friend, Donald Sly, and they enjoyed 53 years of wonderful marriage before he preceded her in death in 2011.

Verna devoted her life to caring for her family. They moved to Placerville, California in the early 1960s where she raised her three children and was a devoted grandmother. She loved music, was a talented pianist and singer, and taught piano lessons for many years. She served Calvary Bible Church in many capacities: librarian, Sunday School teacher, played the organ and the piano for church services and oversaw the youth group musical programs. Later in life she was a Sunday School teacher and Awana leader at Pollock Pines Community Church. Verna was an avid reader and loved baking and tending to her flower garden. Her generosity, sense of humor, and kind and loving spirit will be remembered by her family and friends.

Verna is survived by her three children: Jeffery Sly and wife Ann, Gregory Sly and wife Michelle, Holly Phillips and husband Chris; her seven grandchildren: Brittney Amoruso and husband Anthony, Breanna Perez, Kimberley Sly and wife Kayla, Joshua Perez, Blake Sly, Ashley Perez, Derek Hamlin; and her two great-grandchildren: Aiden Amoruso and Ava Amoruso. Verna is also survived by her sister Linda Montgomery and partner Jerry, her brother Neal Leffel and wife Delores, her sister Patti Burns, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

At Verna’s request there will be no public memorial service. In memory of her life, the family asks that gifts be made to Pollock Pines Community Church, P.O. Box 59, Pollock Pines, CA 95726. Arrangements entrusted to Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home in Paso Robles, California. Friends may sign a guestbook and leave condolences at https://www.dignitymemorial.com