Verla Martina Puffenbarger, 80, of Sugar Grove, West Virginia died Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Sentara RMH in Harrisonburg.

She was born August 31, 1942 in Harlan County, Kentucky and was the daughter of the late Bernard Givens Long and Minnie Estelle (Lamb) Long.

Verla was a homemaker, was Lutheran by faith, and attended St. Paul 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 September 25, 1964, she married Kenneth Dale "K.D." Puffenbarger, Sr., who survives.

Also surviving are –

Two daughters –

Danita Kiser (Tim) of Upper Tract, WV

Beth McNulty of Grottoes, VA

One son –

Kenneth Dale Puffenbarger, Jr. (Brande) of Powhatan, VA

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 preceded in death by an infant daughter, Kelley Colleen.

Her body has been cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, March 4, 2023 at St. Paul Independent Lutheran Church at Moyers with Pastor Jerry Smith officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to South Fork Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 55, Sugar Grove, WV  26815 or St. Paul Independent Lutheran Church, c/o Delbert Rexrode, Jr., 527 Windrush Lane, Doe Hill, VA  24433.