Verna (Boulware) Shryock

Verna Elizabeth Boulware Shryock passed away peacefully on July 9th, 2026, at the age of 104. She died just nine days before her 105th birthday, having been born July 18th, 1921, at her home in Hatton, Missouri.

Verna was the daughter of Finis and Corynne (Ferguson) Boulware, and the younger sister to Woodrow Wilson Boulware, who preceded her in death at the age of 103. On February 3rd, 1945, Verna married Gus Huston (G.H.) Shryock of Callaway County, while he was on leave from the service during WWII. Their wedding was the first wedding in Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church.

Verna and G.H. had two sons, Dennis Ray (Neda) and Joseph Lynn (Debbie) who both continue to operate the family farm in northern Callaway County.

Verna was survived by her five grandchildren and her fourteen great grandchildren. Her grandchildren and great children from Dennis include: Mike Shryock (Karen) and their children, Natalie, Anna, and Grant, Hatton; Carrie Shryock, Columbia; and Dustin Shryock (Melissa) and their children, Benny, Robin, May, and Heidi, Hatton. Her children and great grandchildren from Joe include: Brett Shryock (Ashley) and their children, Brynn, Jude, and Farrah, Hatton; and Erin Clendenin (Jason), and their children Allie, Jackson, Colt, and Cora, Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Verna’s parents valued education, and she attended a variety of schools ranging from a one room schoolhouse to the University of Missouri and Kirksville Teacher’s College. After graduating from Fulton High School in 1939 and attending MU for two years, she taught in a one room schoolhouse near Hatton for three years. In 1950 Verna and G.H. bought the farm where they grew grain, raised cattle, and their two boys. They were married for 31 years until his passing in 1976. In 1980, Verna married Joe Sam Sydenstricker who passed in 1990. Verna was a prolific artist, being a talented oil painter, china painter and quilter until the age of 95, only stopping when her sight limited her.

Verna’s life was a long one and she saw so much progress over her lifetime; she rode a horse to school as a child and, much to her amazement, rode in a self-driving car as a centenarian! Verna was known for her love for her family, community and church. Her deep and abiding faith sustained her through joys and losses. She frequently gathered her family throughout the year, and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren often visited her. She was a fisherwoman, enjoyed traveling with close friends, and hosted sleepovers for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She formed new communities at The Terrace and The Westbury in Columbia during her later years. Verna was a lifelong and very loved member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Hatton.

A visitation will be held Wednesday July 15, 2026, at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, (3686 State Rd E, Auxvasse, MO 65231). A Celebration of Life will be held at 12 PM Wednesday at the church. A committal service will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery.