Vernelle Austin, 101, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025. She was born in McCook, Nebraska, and later made Salida her home after moving there in 1967. She was the daughter of Blanche and Charles Austin and was preceded in death by her brothers, Mac and Doug Austin. Vernelle lived a long and meaningful life marked by warmth, friendship, and quiet strength. She enjoyed bowling on a league and loved spending time with her close circle of friends—sharing meals, conversations, and companionship that brought her great joy. Those who knew Vernelle describe her as pure and kind-hearted. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel safe, accepted, and cared for. She carried within her a century’s worth of memories and stories—chapters filled with lessons, laughter, and glimpses of a world only she could recall. Her wisdom and gentle nature made her unforgettable to all who loved her. She will be remembered with deep affection and gratitude by the many people whose lives she touched.