Special to The Hays Daily News

Verna Schumacher, Hays, was chosen the 2009 Daughter of the Year by members of Isabella Circle No. 254 at a recent meeting. She was honored at the annual Mother-Daughter Breakfast on Sunday following the 8 a.m. Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

She has been an active parishoner of the church since 1967. She volunteers at various parish functions and helps prepare and serve funeral dinners. Additionally, she donates at annual fundraising church events, visits homebound and elderly, and is a first-responder when called upon for assistance.

Her involvement with Daughters of Isabella is 20 years in the local circle and includes being an officer as monitor, auditor and presently serves as inner guard.

On many occasions, she serves as an honorary pallbearer in the event of death of a Daughters of Isabella sister. Additionally, she is present when the rosary is recited.

She volunteers at Community Assistance Center 18 hours per month. Schumacher resides in Hays with her husband, Ralph, of 59 years, is the mother of seven children; 16 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Other activities at the celebration included awarding longevity veteran pins presented by Sheila Boos, regent for the years of service including: 50-year pins to Frances Gordon, Elgerine Gross, Angeline Herrman, Marcella Klein, Irene Leiker and Marcella Ruder; a 35-year pin to Della M. Fields; 25-year pins to Viola Bilinger, Lily Meier, Mary Miller, Joan Ostmeyer, Frances J. Rupp, Alma Sanders, Jane Vanek, Mildred Wittman; and 15-year pins to Judy Flax, Lori Flax, Betty Leiker, Lea Miller, Rosita Rife, Anna M. Sander and Esther M. Schmidt.