Veronica Ann Servatius

Veronica was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa May 13th,
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.
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 David Russell Servatius and Leslie Marie Servatius, Portland,
Oregon and Steve Darrel Servatius, 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, Maria, 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 p.m., 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