Vera Siktberg

VERA FAYE SIKTBERG (nee Bailes) age 84, passed away December 2, 2020, after a long illness. A much-loved wife of 60 years to Richard P. Siktberg, Vera was also a loving mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband and sons, Robert (Robin) Siktberg, of Chardon, Ohio, and Mark (Solange) Siktberg of Orlando, Florida. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Eric, Lauren, Caitlyn (Jordan Gribble), Natalie and Abbey Siktberg, and by her great-granddaughter, Aaliyah Gribble, and by many nieces and nephews.

Vera is predeceased by her parents, Ernest and Inez (Bailey) Bailes, and by her brothers, Keith (Ruth) Bailes, Kyle (Pat) Bailes, and sister Alma (Lyle) Parsons.

Vera was born in South Portsmouth, KY, but grew up in several towns in West Virginia. She loved traveling back to West Virginia to her brother Keith’s farm to spend time with her family. She loved music, and family members fondly recall Vera sitting on the porch swing singing, while her brothers played the guitar.

Her love of music led to Vera earning a B.A. in Music Education from the University of West Virginia, and she ultimately moved to Painesville, Ohio, to teach elementary music. She married Rich on July 3, 1960, eventually moving into a home in Richmond Heights, OH, where they spent most of their long and happy marriage. Rich and Vera were early members of Shoregate United Methodist Church in Willowick, OH, and remained active members of the church. Vera formed a handbell choir at SUMC, which she directed for 26 years. She also loved singing in the church choir and especially loved participating in the Easter cantata and in Christmas performances.

Rich and Vera also owned a home in New Smyrna Beach, FL, and Vera sang in the Coronado United Methodist Church choir when they were there. They made many friends through their activities in both churches.

Vera was a devoted mother to her two sons and was proud of both of them. She enjoyed telling stories of their growing-up years; especially their mishaps. She welcomed her daughters-in-law into the family with open arms, and she adored her grandchildren.

Vera never had a bad thing to say about anyone, and she leaves a lasting legacy of love and kindness to her many family and friends. She was always ready to lend a listening and non-judgmental ear. We will always think of her when we see the color purple, hear Christmas music or eat her famous corn pudding – a fixture at every holiday dinner.

Contributions in Vera’s honor can be made to Shoregate United Methodist Church (440-943-0382) or to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org.

A Private Funeral Service for the Immediate Family Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 11 AM at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91).

Those wishing to watch the service and follow along,  please click on a  link for the program and video below: