Verla Rae Gorham, born Verla Rae Warnken, passed away on February 16, 2026, at the age of 83. She was born and raised in Great Bend, Kansas, and lived a life defined by faith, generosity, hard work, and an abiding love for her family.

Verla's career spanned many years and roles. In the early 1970s, she worked at Credit Adjustment in Wichita before joining Gard'n-Wise Warehouse as a bookkeeper. In the fall of 1974, she and her husband Nolan moved to Ellsworth, Kansas, where they owned and operated Ellsworth Auto Parts together. In the summer of 1978, the family relocated to Valley Center, Kansas, where Verla returned to Gard'n-Wise Warehouse. She remained there for 22 years, becoming a cherished part of that workplace, before leaving in 2000 to care for her husband full time. After Nolan's passing in 2001, she officially retired.

That same move to Valley Center brought another lasting commitment — Verla and her family began attending Valley Center Assembly of God, now known as Lifepoint Church, in 1978. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she remained a devoted member of that congregation for nearly five decades.

Verla and Nolan were known for their open hearts and open home, welcoming many people over the years who needed a place to stay. In her later years, Verla enjoyed volunteering at the Hornets Hanger and loved a good card game with family and friends. She and Nolan shared a passion for gardening that was so remarkable their garden was once featured as Garden of the Month in the Ark Valley News. In her later years, Verla greatly enjoyed volunteering at the Hornet Hanger.

Above all else, Verla treasured her family. She was the lifelong best friend to her devoted daughter Kim, and she poured endless love into her son-in-law Carl and her beloved granddaughters Ella and Eva.

Verla was preceded in death by her husband, C. Nolan Gorham; her son, Todd Allen Gorham; her daughter, Sarah Nicole Gorham, who passed away in infancy; her parents, Allen and Moyne Warnken; her brothers, Roger Warnken and Kenny Warnken; and her brother-in-law, Gary Gorham.

She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Loeffler, and son-in-law Carl Loeffler; her granddaughters, Ella and Eva Loeffler; her brother, Gordon (Jane) Warnken; her sisters-in-law, Laura Pivonka and Ethelyn Gorham; and her nieces and nephews, Rick (Kim) Warnken, Lachele (Greg) Greathouse, Brenda (Steve) Barrett, Barbara (Mike) Luikart, Teresa (Donnie) Hawkinson, Eric (Liz) Warnken, Traci Brackbill, and Amy (Sean) Breeze, along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Verla Rae Gorham was a woman of deep faith, quiet strength, and immeasurable love. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

Celebration of Her Life will on 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 20th  at LifePoint Church, 400 S Abilene Ave, Valley Center, KS 67147.  ( Her favorite color was blue so blue attire is requested.)

Memorials may be made in her memory, in lieu of flowers, to LifePoint Church.

Baker Funeral Home Valley Center has charge. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com