Veronica Ann Servatius

Veronica Ann Servatius

Veronica was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa May 13^th, Mother’s Day in 1933 to her loving parents Meredith Russell Deffibaugh and Veronica Francis Oakleaf, known all their lives as “Doc and Toots”.

Ann passed away peacefully April 8, 2026 with her family close by in Midland, Texas.

A life filled with love for dogs, children, and baking cakes.

A spirited woman with an unwavering love for her family and the purity of companionship, Veronica found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She adored playing bridge with her friends, loving on animals, cherished time spent with her family, and always found delight in baking cakes that filled her home with warmth and sweetness. Ann was not just a mother; she was a source of inspiration for her family and all the children she taught throughout her career in special education. Her ability to connect with her students, fostering their potential and celebrating their uniqueness, was a testament to her compassionate spirit. Her parents, Doc and Toots moved to Vernon, Texas where Doc worked at the McClellans dime store. Toots opened a small grocery store with garden soup for those hungry or broke from the Great Depression.  Doc opened the Hamburger Queen and in 1957 Doc’s Humdinger across from the high school which became an institution for all kids growing up in Vernon.

Ann grew up in Vernon and graduated from Vernon High School where she met the love of her life, Jim Elliot Servatius, and they married in 1957. In 1959, Jim and Ann moved to Plainview, Texas where Jim worked at the Plainview Daily Herald newspaper, becoming the Editor.

Jim and Ann had two boys, Mike and Larry Servatius.  Jim adopted David Russell and Steve Darrel Salmon, from Ann’s earlier marriage, when they were just toddlers.

In 1978 Jim and Ann moved to Midland, Texas where Jim became the Editor of the Midland Reporter Telegram until he retired.

Ann worked as a special education teacher in the Midland School District, for about twenty-five years, helping many young people learn to read and write.  Ann retired and started her next journey playing Duplicate Bridge.

Over the years Ann became a Sapphire Life Master Bridge Player.   She loved Bridge and played daily at the Alison Bridge Center, in Midland.   Ann also made amazing cakes, taught others to bake and always had a cake ready to go for the bridge games.

Ann loved the intellectual challenge of duplicate Bridge and taught Bridge to beginners.   The phone rang so much in those days, no one dared answer, because it was always her bridge partners scheduling Mom for the next game!

Ann is survived by son, David Russell Servatius and wife, Leslie Marie Servatius of Portland, Oregon and son, Steve Darrel Servatius of Midland, Texas and by the many students whose lives were changed by Ann’s work teaching Special Education for so many years in the Midland School District.

Ann was preceded in death by Jim E. Servatius, Mike Servatius, and Larry Scott Servatius.

The family would like to express their gratitude towards Interim Health Care, Midland hospital staff, Dr. Naidu, her long-term doctor, Sharon Glidwell, Maria and JoLynn, and the many caretakers who helped over the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lone Star Animal Sanctuary.

Ann’s visitation will be from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland.

Ann’s remembrance and burial will be in Vernon, Texas at the Vernon Eastview Cemetery at 3:00 PM Friday April 17^, 2026. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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