Vera Jean Stoops, 85, lifelong Hugoton, Kansas resident passed away Wednesday morning, September 28, 2022 at the Pioneer Manor in Hugoton.

The daughter of Howard Alexander and Mary Grace (Milburn) Drew, she was born July 5, 1937 in Dodge City, Kansas. She attended school in Hugoton, graduating with the Class of 1956, and a member of the Lutheran Church. Vera was active with Pollyanna's Ladies Group, Galivestors Investing Club and in April of 1966 became the first lady pilot in Stevens County, after which she became a member of the Ninety Nines.

Vera and Lee Deward Stoops were united in marriage on April 7, 1953 in Hugoton. They owned and operated Earlybirds Aerial Spraying from 1962 until 1996, the couple also ranched with cattle in Missouri and in Kansas. Vera was an aid and librarian serving the students of USD 210 for many years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Lee on March 27, 2014, and two sisters Laura Bressler and Emma Berniece Musgrove.

Survivors include four children: Vera Lee Zabel and husband Loren of Hugoton, Gene Stoops of Arizona City, Arizona, Sherry Meitler of Hugoton and Gerald "Keb" Stoops and wife Carol of Hugoton. Survivors also include six grandchildren: Erika Shelman, Matt Zabel, Scott Meitler, Kari Stover, Ryan Stoops and Sean Stoops, and 15 great grandchildren: Abigail, Kaden, Haley and Ethan Zabel, Kaylee and Mykenna Shelman, Laela Meitler, Emma Jo Stover, Isaac and Eli Meitler, Kylie Christenson, Emma, Leah and Myla Bridgewater and Evie Stoops.

Graveside funeral services will be conducted Saturday morning, October 1st at 10:00 a.m. at the Hugoton Cemetery with Pastor Pam Peachey officiating. Visitation will be Friday evening, September 30th between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. at the Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Vera may be given to Steven County/Hugoton Community Project. Memorials will be accepted at the Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1112, Guymon, Oklahoma 73942. Friends can sign the online guestbook and leave condolences at www.bunchroberts.com.