Funeral Service for Vernita Ihnen, 44, of Sioux Falls, SD will be held in the spring when her burial takes place. Officiating will be Pastor Mike Owen. Pallbearers will be Vince Owen, Sterling Owen, Andrew Boe, and relatives. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of Vernita's friends and family. Interment will be in the Sisseton Cemetery, Sisseton, SD. There will be All Night Wake Service on Friday, March 8, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Community Center, Agency Village, SD. Vernita passed away Thursday, March 7, 2019 at the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.  The Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Vernita Ihnen was born on August 7, 1974 to Vernon White Sr. and Pauline Owen in Sisseton, SD. She married Chad Ihnen on June 26, 1999 and had a son Christian Ihnen February 9, 2003. Her favorite color was purple and she enjoyed watching the Denver Broncos. She enjoyed spending time with her husband and son. She also was the March Of Dimes poster child for the year 1979.

Vernita is survived by her father Vernon White Sr. of Sisseton; sisters Melissa White, Victoria White, Pam White of Sisseton, Amy Loughlin of St. Pete, FL; brothers Eric White of Sisseton, Lance Owen of Sisseton, Ryan Enquist of Longmont, CO, Vernon White Jr. of Sisseton, Anthony White of Sisseton; foster mother Betty Ward of Wilmot; foster siblings Ember Dady, Melody Gruby, Mercy and Adam Towschin, Alpha Begay, Jason DuMarce, Amy and OJ Highbear.

Vernita was preceded in death by her birth mom Pauline Owen; foster dad Lewis Ward; foster brother Chuck Ward.