Verla Jo (McKibban) Chavez

Verla Jo Chavez decided to dance with the angels in heaven on December 11, 2024.  Verla was born on August 24, 1952 to Joe and Betty McKibban in Amarillo, Texas.

She is survived by her husband, Joe Chavez, daughter, Joy Chavez, grandsons, Bryan Elam and Michael Chan, granddaughter, Autumn Elam and many relatives.  She especially loved her grandchildren.

She attended Pal Duro High School in Amarillo before meeting her future husband, Joe.  They moved to California and were married in November 1970 in Inglewood, California.  They were inseparable throughout their loving marriage of 54 years.  During their lives together, they traveled the country and overseas while Joe was serving in the military.

Verla Jo was very passionate about education, and attended Eastern New Mexico University and New Mexico Highlands University, where she received a Master's degree in Social Work.

She enjoyed helping others, and would go out of her way to help.  She also like volunteering to help those in need.  She worked in the healthcare field for approximately 26 years, before she was forced to retire due to her failing health.

Her true happiness came from raising farm animals (chickens, goats, mini pigs, geese and ducks) and her dogs.

She also liked travelling to Maryland to visit her daughter, Joy and grandson, Michael.  She would take many pictures while there, and would often talk about how she enjoyed all the nice restaurants and going on the boat rides.  She looked forward to going every summer.

Verla Jo will be missed by anyone who had contact with her.

"Silver Wings" slowly fading out of sight.

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