Verlene Hardy Hansen, 84, passed away peacefully with her husband, daughter, and son-in-law by her side on January 26, 2025, in Middleton, Idaho. She was born on October 27, 1940, in her grandmother Jensen's home in Teton, Idaho, to Lela Irene Jensen Hardy and Read Benjamin Hardy.

Verlene grew up in St. Anthony, Idaho, until she was about 13 years of age. The family then moved to Chester, Idaho, in 1953. She had 3 siblings, 2 sisters and a brother, Marilyn Hardy Moran, Leann Hardy Jones, and Lloyd Read Hardy.

Verlene met Leon at a dance at Ricks College in the fall of 1962. They danced and dated for several months before they decided to be sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on June 14, 1963. They were married on her father's birthday. With their joining, Verlene was also blessed with a beautiful 5-year-old daughter named Linda Ann Hansen.

The couple lived in Rexburg briefly until moving to Moscow, Idaho, later that fall to attend the University of Idaho. While Leon went to school and worked part-time at David's Department Store, Verlene worked as a secretary to the Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Idaho. As time went on, she also worked as a secretary for the Dean of Animal Science in Pullman at Washington State University. During this time, they also adopted a baby girl named Brenda Lynn, who was born on November 5, 1966.

They moved to Blackfoot, Idaho, in 1968, where Leon worked at State Hospital South. Verlene spent her time running a wonderful home—sewing, painting, cooking, gardening, and later playing piano. She felt blessed to stay at home and devote herself to becoming a wonderful homemaker and mother. During this time Christopher Leon joined the family on December 27, 1969, a wonderful belated Christmas present.

Leon was later transferred to State Hospital North in Orofino, Idaho. There the family enjoyed the beautiful area for about 3 years. They then moved to Caldwell, Idaho, in the fall of 1976.

Verlene had a variety of jobs as the children got older, including being a secretary for Terry Davis at State Farm Insurance. She also managed the farm store at Dairymen's Creamery and was a secretary at Great Western Chemical before retiring.

Upon retirement, she and Leon moved to St. George, Utah. She loved her beautiful red rock desert and the sunshine. She would talk endlessly of the friends and wonderful memories made during this 20-year period.

Verlene served in many positions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in Relief Society and in the Young Women's Organization, but Primary was always her favorite. She loved teaching children simple but beautiful primary songs. She served about 6 years as a missionary in Member Location and another 3 years at the Records Operation Center.

Genealogy became a passion in her later years, linking deceased relatives to her family line. She also enthusiastically reached out to any relative she found still living and made many enduring friendships.

Due to health concerns, Verlene and Leon returned to Middleton, Idaho, in December 2024. She spent most of the time in and out of the hospital. Coming home to her daughter's house on January 8th. She spent her short time there surrounded by friends and family. It was a beautiful reunion for all.

Verlene was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend to all. Welcoming friends and family into her home often. Love and laughter followed her everywhere she went.

She is survived by her sweetheart of 61 years, Leon; her daughter Brenda and her husband Jeff; her son Chris and his wife Staci; 9 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren, with another due to arrive in April.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her younger brother, Lloyd Hardy, and her eldest daughter, Linda Ann Hansen DeTomosi.