Vernie Lambert of Bismarck (formerly of Redfield, SD) was officially equipped with her wings Monday, January 25th at the age of 92. With God and her family by her side, Vernie peacefully left earth and was reunited with family and friends in the heavens above. Funeral mass will be held at 10:30am Saturday, January 30th at St. Bernard's Catholic Church with Father Osborn celebrating. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, L.J. Lambert, at Greenlawn Cemetery following the service.
Visitation will be held from 1pm-8pm Friday at Thelen Funeral Home, Redfield, SD with a rosary and vigil service at 7pm.

Vernie was born to Desire and Emma (Erickson) Authier on October 19th, 1917 in Redfield, SD. She graduated 1937 from Redfield High School. On that fateful night at a ball, Vernie met the love of her life... L.J. They were united in marriage on June 5, 1941 in California. L.J. worked for Lockheed during WWII and Vernie was a supportive housewife. Their first child, James, was born April 16th, 1942 during their life in CA. In 1946, they moved back to South Dakota and took residence at a farm outside of Frankfort. Later in 1950, they moved to their farm near Ashton, SD where they remained during their farming years. A daughter, Joann, was born 1949. Vernie was a devoted and patient mother as well as a diligent wife to a very active farming family throughout her life on the family farm. As retirement approached in 1974, LJ and Vernie built a home in Ashton but spent the cold winter South Dakota days in sunny Casa Grande, AZ. Later in 1986, the couple sold their home in Ashton and moved to Redfield. At a very early age in 1989, her soul mate passed and has been patiently waiting for a youthful Vernie to once again walk hand in hand. Vernie's last years were spent living closer to her immediate family in Bismarck with a beautiful home at the Waterford in 2004, and most recently Edgewood Vista in November, 2009.

Vernie was a very social and independent woman. As a testament to her independence, Vernie continued to spend winters in Arizona for several years after LJ was gone. Rarely was there an opening on her social schedule. She spent much of her time playing bridge, crocheting and knitting to keep her hands limber due to the onset of arthritis. "GG", as she was known by the great grandchildren, loved spending time with friends and family. When she wasn't booked with her various social events, she spent time with family and socializing with whomever she could. Vernie enjoyed baking for others - - her specialty were her legendary Bon Bons which were always a holiday tradition. She was also an active member of Red Hat Ladies and while she lived in Ashton/Redfield, she was a member of the Altar Society at St. Bernard's. It was always a warm feeling to receive loving hugs from Grandma despite her small stature and we will never forget her smiling, sparkling blue eyes when she said, "I Love You".

She is survived by one son James R (Diane) Lambert, West Fargo, ND, and daughter Joann (Dennis) Rohlfs, Pick City, ND. Grandchildren, Cindy Carter - Flagstaff, AZ, Jeff (Tracy) Lambert - Las Vegas, NV, Tom (Erin) Rohlfs - Bismarck, Jodi (Zach) Herslip-- Bismarck, Justin Moen, Moorhead, MN, and 10 great grand children.

Vernie was preceded in death by her parents; husband --L.J.; brother-- Louis Authier; brother-in-lawa€"Willis Lambert, and one grandsona€"Derek Gordon.