Vera Bergholz

Vera Bergholz, daughter of Bill and Blanche Hill, was born Jan. 14, 1934, in Norwood, and departed this life June 7, 2025, at 91 years of age. Vera was the third of seven children. She grew up attending school in Norwood, where she enjoyed sports, especially volleyball. She graduated as the valedictorian of the Xlass of 1951. Soon after graduation, she took a bus from Norwood to Los Angeles, Calif. In California, she wed Walter Lee McGowan and had two daughters, Patsy and Linda. Vera was married to Gordon Bergholz on Dec. 6, 1968. They lived in Los Angeles, Calif. until 1971, before deciding to move back to Missouri, where she lived the past 50 years of her life in Norwood. In her lifetime, Vera worked at Millers in Los Angeles, Calif., General Electric in Springfield, and Walmart in Mountain Grove. Vera enjoyed spending time with family, especially when hunting and fishing with her husband and grandchildren. Vera and Gordon were very involved in horses and traveling throughout Missouri to go trail riding. She also enjoyed playing cards and reading.
Vera was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Blanche Hill; husband of 46 years, Gordon Bergholz; daughter, Patsy Ransom; brothers, Billy Hill and JD Hill; and her sister, Katie Roberts. Vera is survived by three sisters, Marilyn Walker, of Norwood; Linda (Ray) Solovic, of Van Buren; and Margie (Jack) Hylton, of Nixa; one daughter, Linda McGowan, of Miramar Beach, Fla.; grandchildren, Jason (Kristi) Hylton, Shane (Stacy) Hylton, Ryan (Kim) Ransom and Troy Ransom; great-grandchildren, Haven Ransom, Tyler Ransom, Lake Ransom, Fisher Ransom, Brandon Martelli, Will Hall, Sydni Hall, Jaden Hylton, Luke Hylton, Brody Hylton and Charlee Hylton; and a number of additional family and friends who will miss her dearly.
Visitation for Vera Bergholz was held Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 1-2 p.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mountain Grove. Funeral services followed at 2 p.m. also at the funeral home with Bro. Chris Sinning officiating. Song selections were “Precious Memories” and “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” sung by Cindy Sullivan. Serving as pallbearers were Easton Carder, Brody Hylton, Johnny Cramer, Chad Dunbar, Danny Hylton and Brad Hill. Honorary pallbearers were John Stenger and Carl Stanifer. Burial was in Thomas Cemetery at Norwood under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove.
Memorial contributions may be made to Thomas Cemetery in care of the funeral home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.