Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Venita Jo Vermillon, 88, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Warsaw on July 26, 2026.
Venita was born on Aug. 25, 1937, in East St. Louis, Ill., to the late Lloyd and May Owens. On Sept. 10, 1955, she married Bernard “Bernie” Vermillon and together they celebrated 69 wonderful years of marriage prior to his death in December 2024.
Venita was a devoted partner to her husband. Early in their marriage, she worked outside the home, but she proudly claimed that her most important role was raising her three children and keeping a neat and tidy home for their family. She was a Girl Scout leader, catechism teacher and room mother for her children in their younger years.
In later years, she kept her mind sharp by tackling crossword puzzles. She was a voracious reader and especially loved mysteries. She and Bernie made frequent trips to the library or local thrift bookstore securing and returning stacks of books. She and Bernie also visited many presidential libraries. She loved to get the daily news the old-fashioned way, in print, reading cover to cover.
It was said that their home in Glen Carbon, Ill., was the hub of the neighborhood. Many friends and neighbors loved to join them on their welcoming porch for lively discussions.
She was a loving and doting grandmother and great-grandmother “Nini.”
Venita was preceded in death by her husband; her sister Mary Helen Wetzel; and her son, Owens Patrick Vermillon. She is survived by her son, Bernard “Benny” Vermillon, of Salida Colo.; daughter, Peggy (Mike) Myles, of Warsaw; daughter-in-law, Mary Vermillon, of Hendersonville, N.C.; her grandchildren, Matthew Myles, of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Mackenzie (Nathan) Shireman, of Warsaw; and her great-grandchildren, Millicent “Millie” Shireman and Natalie Jo Shireman. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews.
Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw is entrusted with the care of Venita. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, Aug. 3 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warsaw. There will be no visitation.
If friends desire, in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Sacred Heart School’s “Building for Discipleship Campaign.”
