1948 - 2026
Vera F. Chrismer, 77, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday evening, January 2, 2026.
Vera Chrismer was born March 8, 1948, in Alton, Missouri, the daughter of Wilburn and Blanche Burkhead. She was raised in Alton and received her early education there before moving with her family to Rush Hill, Missouri. She attended Community R-6 High School, graduating in 1966.
On March 26, 1966, Vera was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Chrismer at the First Baptist Church in Mexico, Missouri. Together they shared nearly 57 years of marriage. The couple began their life together in Rush Hill before relocating with Bob’s career to Winfield, Kansas; Wynne, Arkansas; and eventually back to Winfield.
While living in Arkansas, Vera worked as a manager for Montgomery Ward. After returning to Winfield, she held various office positions, including employment with Binney & Smith. The couple later moved to Orangeburg, South Carolina, and then to Sedalia, Missouri. In Sedalia, Vera briefly worked at Tyson Foods before finding her calling as Regional Manager at Diversified Staffing / Imko Staffing, where she dedicated many years of service until her retirement in 2014. In 2015, Vera and Bob returned to Winfield to be closer to family. Bob preceded her in death on February 7, 2023.
Vera was an active and devoted member of Central Baptist Church in Winfield. She was also involved with the ESA Sorority and the American Legion. During her years in Sedalia, she was a member of the Rotary Club and Business and Professional Women (BPW). Her faith was central to her life, and she found great joy in attending church and reading her Bible. Vera cherished traveling, collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia, taking photographs, and creating memories with her family—especially her grandchildren. Family vacations became a big thing to Vera.
She is survived by her daughters, Robyn Bailey and husband Thane of Winfield, Kansas, and Denise Mayes and Darrin of Sedalia, Missouri; her brother, Carl Burkhead; sisters, Linda O’Toole, Lois Sutton, Betty Owen, and Wilma Madrid; grandchildren, Lexie Bailey, Darian (Steven) Archambeault, Dawson Mayes, and Delaney Mayes; great-grandchildren, Cali Rose Bailey, Isla Phifer Archambeault, and Sophia Reid Archambeault; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Vera was preceded in death by her son, Robert Wayne Chrismer; brothers, Bill and Lonnie Burkhead; sisters-in-law, Sue Burkhead and Mary Ann Schwartz; and brother-in-law, Bill Chrismer.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Central Baptist Church in Winfield, under the direction of Miles Funeral Service. Interment will take place at a later date in Laddonia, Missouri.
Memorials have been established in Vera’s name for the Dravet Syndrome Foundation and Central Baptist Church. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.
