Verla Martina Puffenbarger, 80, of Sugar Grove died Feb. 25, 2023, at Sentara RMH in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
She was born Aug. 31, 1942, in Harlan County, Kentucky, and was the daughter of the late Bernard Givens Long and Minnie Estelle (Lamb) Long.
Mrs. Puffenbarger was a homemaker, was Lutheran by faith and attended St. Paul’s Independent Lutheran Church.
She was loved by her Sugar Grove community and was the “go to” person for many years, serving as hairdresser, medical advisor and chauffeur, as well as being a friend and surrogate mom to the many young Navy families who lived nearby. She had a feisty spirit – tiny but mighty – loving the many furry companions who always seemed to find their way to her. She will be missed by everyone she touched.
On Sept. 25, 1964, she married Kenneth Dale “K.D.” Puffenbarger, Sr., who survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Danita Kiser (Tim) of Upper Tract and Beth McNulty of Grottoes, Virginia; a son, Kenneth Dale Puffenbarger, Jr. (Brande) of Powhatan, Virginia; and five grandchildren, Kyle McNulty, Allie Tepes-Darko, Luke Adamson, Martina Puffenbarger and Kerstin McNulty, who never did anything wrong in Mamaw’s eyes.
She had a special place in her heart for Kinsley and Connor Armstrong, who lovingly referred to her as “Lala,” as well as Grace McNulty.
She was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Kelley Colleen.
Her body has been cremated.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul Independent Lutheran Church in Moyers with Pastor Jerry Smith officiating.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.kimblefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin.
