Vermona Shoults

Vermona Lee Shoults , 97, born July 27, 1928 passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026 at Harry Hynes Hospice in Wichita, Kansas after a brief illness. Vermona was born to Arthur and Esther (Reed) Schwab at home on her family’s farm near Gridley, Kansas. An only child, Vermona grew up on the farm and graduated from Gridley Rural High School in 1946. She then moved to Emporia to attend Kansas State Teacher’s College where she received a teaching degree and was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority. After graduating from college in 1948, she relocated to Wichita, Kansas and worked as a secretary. She met the love of her life, A.C. “Bud” Shoults on a blind date. After Bud was transferred from Wichita, a long-distance relationship blossomed and Vermona saved all the letters to prove it. They were married in Wichita on September 4, 1954 and their strong mutual affection and commitment to one another was evident throughout their 57 year marriage. Vermona always said that marrying Bud was the best decision she ever made in her life.

After her marriage, she and Bud moved to Chicago Heights, IL, later relocating to Hattiesburg, MS, Tulsa, OK, and finally to Lake Jackson, TX where they lived for over 35 years and raised their two daughters, Brenda and Debbie. Vermona excelled as a housewife and always kept an exceptionally clean and beautiful home as well as being an excellent cook. She had a great sense of fashion, always managing to look her best. She spent a few years in Lake Jackson working part-time for a local cosmetic and clothing boutique. In her leisure time, she immensely enjoyed playing bridge and spending time with friends. She loved to square dance with Bud and they were active in square dancing clubs both in Lake Jackson and Wichita. Bud and Vermona attended First United Methodist Church in Lake Jackson regularly while living there.

In 1998, Bud and Vermona moved to Wichita to be closer to their 2 daughters and their families. She made many new friends through Welcome Wagon, played bridge, attended “tacky treat” parties, and enjoyed going out with her “lunch bunch.” She and Bud were faithful attenders of their grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. After Bud’s death she continued to live in their home, and continued to be active in social groups and bridge clubs. She worked out faithfully with her beloved personal trainer, Tonya. In her later years, she found great delight and joy in her great-grandchildren and was always interested in hearing all about them and their activities and always looking forward to their visits and any opportunities to see them. Despite her age, she was not afraid to engage in new technology and loved to FaceTime and text with family members.

She moved to Larkfield Place Assisted Living in May, 2025 after a mild stroke and continued to be active with her friends and family. Her new friends and nurses there were a great blessing to her. In her later years, Vermona displayed a strong inner resilience and strength seeking always to live a full and active life despite numerous health setbacks, falls, and bone fractures. She was not one to give up easily. Vermona was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

As well as her parents, Vermona was also preceded in death by her husband, Alfred "Bud" Shoults, her grandparents and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. Survivors include her daughters, Brenda and husband David Crawford and Debbie and husband Kendall Wendt. Vermona also leaves behind her grandchildren, Kristi Crawford (Scot Pendergraft), Ryan (Tyler) Crawford, Blaine (Brittnee) Crawford, Kelsey (Jeremy) Snyder, Lisa (Andrew) Hayse, Kelli (Paul) Girgis and great-grandchildren, Broxtyn Pendegraft, Birney Crawford, Miles Crawford, Avery Crawford, Grady Crawford and Evy Lou Hayse. She will be greatly missed by her family and all that knew knew her.

In Lieu of Flowers Memorials have been established with:
Ronald McDonald House
551 N. Hillside, #100
Wichita, KS 67214
--
Child Advocacy of Sedgwick County
1211 S. Emporia
Wichita, KS 67211