Verla Mae Rolf

Verla Mae (Breedlove) Rolf, 91, of Mentor, Ohio, was born December 1, 1934, in Horseshoe Run, West Virginia. She was the eldest daughter of Robert and Maude Breedlove, growing up alongside her brothers, Keith and Dale and sister, Alverda. After the passing of her mother when Verla was just 16, her father later married Nellie Raines, expanding the family with her sons Ronnie, Gary, and Dale. Together, Robert and Nellie welcomed two more children, Cheryl (Gary) Dixon and John Breedlove. Verla often lovingly described her upbringing as a “his, hers, and ours” family.

In 1951, Verla was crowned Queen Ceres X of the Buckwheat Festival in Kingwood, West Virginia—an honor that brought her pride and, for years afterward, good‑natured teasing about anything “buckwheat.” She graduated from Aurora High School in 1952.

Verla met the love of her life, Bob Rolf, at a roller‑skating rink in Thomas, West Virginia. They married on Thanksgiving Eve in 1953 while Bob was on a five-day leave from the U.S. Army. The newlyweds spent their early married life at Fort Hood, Texas, until Bob’s discharge. In 1955, they moved to Ohio and made their home in Wickliffe, where they built a life rooted in family, faith, and community.

Verla and Bob were blessed with three children: Linda (Roger) Grunden, Cathy, and Steven (Sherie Whetsel). Verla cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, and great‑grandmother. Her four grandchildren—Matthew, Ryan (Cindy Bates), Sara, and Randy (Kristy Robinette)—were affectionately known as her “Fab 4.” Her six great‑grandchildren—Mason Grunden-Tartaglia, Blake Rolf, Parker Rolf, Zeke Rolf, Flynn Rolf, and Thea Rolf—were lovingly called “Grammy’s 6‑Pack.”

In the 1970s, Verla became a licensed insurance agent and worked alongside Bob to establish the Rolf Insurance Agency. Their work brought them many opportunities to travel, including memorable conventions in Hawaii, Greece, Acapulco, the Canary Islands, and Morocco—where Verla even rode a camel.

Her kind, sweet spirit graced all that she did. She was known for her unwavering willingness to help others and was a loyal friend to many. She was active in the churches she attended, and her warmth and generosity touched every life she encountered.

After Bob’s passing in 2020, life grew more challenging for Verla, yet her faith remained strong. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now at peace in heaven with her Savior and reunited with Bob—no doubt keeping an eye on him once again.

Verla Mae will be deeply missed, but her family rejoices in the assurance that she is in heaven.

Private services are being held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), Samaritan’s Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org), or K9 Heroes 4 Heroes (k9heroes4heroes.com).