Verdene Cantrall

Verdene L. (Shaffer) Cantrall, age 96, of Trenton, NE passed peacefully at the Wauneta Care and Therapy Center on February 23, 2025.

Verdene was born on May 13, 1928, in Trenton, NE to parents Fred ‘Babe’ and Freda (Andorka) Shaffer. She was #10 out of their 12 children. She graduated from Trenton High School with the class of 1945. She loved playing sports including softball, even pitching for the Culbertson Women’s Softball League and Professional in Hastings, NE. Dubbed the first woman to own and ride a motorcycle in Trenton.

She was united in marriage to Robert E. Cantrall, and to this union they were blessed with two children, son Marty Lee and daughter Cindy Kay. They made their home in Trenton, Nebraska where she lived up until her passing.

Verdene worked at Harry Chipman’s Diner in Trenton when she was just out of school and TRW in McCook as a specialty small parts micro welder until her retirement in the 1980’s.

She loved to be outdoors and preferred Summer over any other season. She loved to fish, garden and do wood stove chores. She was crazy about her Cats, having many over the years. Crossword puzzles, Jumbles, playing Chicken Foot, Scrabble and card games with family and friends were some of her favorite things. Verdene always had a sweet tooth and loved to cheer for the Huskers and the KC Chiefs. We will miss her cooking; she was very proud of her Hungarian heritage and always tried to make things like her ‘mama’ did. Sometimes just a cold Pepsi with a handful of saltines or maybe a good ol’ Root Beer Float and a ‘Star Sandwich’ would do on a hot summer day!

Verdene was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved son, Marty; brothers: Bud, Dick, Bill, Brick, Jim and two infant brothers; sisters: Leona, Louise, Mary Beth and JoAnn; and two infant grandsons.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Cindy Newman of Trenton, Ne.; grandchildren, Lacey (Benton) Daniels of Trenton, NE. and Anthony (Angelica) Leak of Colorado Springs, CO.; great-grandchildren, Sean and Shelby of Trenton, NE. and Anthony ‘TJ’ Jr. of Colorado Springs, CO.; numerous beloved nieces and nephews, extended family and a host of amazing friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chaple in McCook from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Verdene’s family will greet friends from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at the Trenton Methodist Church with Pastor Alisa Parde officiating. Burial in the Trenton Cemetery will follow services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Verdene’s name are suggested to the family for future designation. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.