Vern Ivey was a beloved husband, dad, son, brother, uncle, and so much more. He was a proud Marine and a wonderful family man who touched the lives of everyone around him. In 2011, Vern suffered a heart attack while his daughter Kiera was only three weeks old. Despite this early health scare, Vern continued to face chronic pain and heart complications over the years, always showing resilience and love for his family.

Most recently, Vern began experiencing tightness in his chest and made the decision to go to the hospital. Doctors discovered that he would need an immediate procedure to implant an LVAD. After spending two weeks in the hospital, Vern underwent surgery on April 22. Sadly, complications arose during and after the procedure. The morning after the implantation, Vern required immediate additional surgery, but despite the medical team's efforts, his organs began to shut down, and he passed away. Vern leaves behind his loving wife, Michelle, and their eight children, including their baby McKenna, whom they lost at birth in 2013.

Funds raised through this campaign will help Michelle and her family with funeral expenses, ongoing living costs, and medical bills as they face life without Vern. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference for Michelle and her children during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for considering and reading Michelle's story.