Elvera Mary "Vera" Carney, 86 years, of West Point, Iowa died at 10:23 a.m. Friday, January 6, 2012 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa. She was born August 9, 1925 at Lee County, Iowa, a daughter of John and Eleanor (Rueter) Mertens. On November 15, 1948, she married Clarence Carney at Dubuque, Iowa. He preceded her in death on April 10, 2004.

Vera was a nurse at Mercy Medical Hospital, in Dubuque, Iowa for 39 years. She was a member of St. Mary's of Assumption Catholic Church, West Point, Iowa. She was an avid bridge player. She enjoyed reading and gardening.

Survivors include two brothers, Joe Mertens, of Farmington, Iowa and Gerald (wife Dorothy) Mertens, of Donnellson, Iowa; three sisters: Eileen Wheeler, of West Point, Iowa; Vivian (husband Robert) Stuekerjuergen, of West Point, Iowa; and Audrey (husband Henry) Holtkamp, of West Point, Iowa; two sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters, Mary Feik and Judith Moeller, and one brother, Francis Mertens.

Per her wishes her body has been cremated. Her family will greet friends from 9:30 - 10:30 am Monday, January 9, 2012 at the St. Mary's of Assumption Catholic Church, West Point, Iowa. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Monday, January 9, 2012 at the St. Mary's of Assumption Catholic Church, West Point, Iowa, with Reverend Dennis Hoffman as Celebrant. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, West Point, Iowa. A memorial has been established for St. Mary's of Assumption Church, Hope Haven, and West Point Fire & Rescue, contributions may be made at the Barr-Holtkamp Funeral Home or at church the day of the service. Online condolences to the Carney Family may be made at the Barr-Holtkamp Funeral Home website, www.barrholtkampfuneralhome.com . Barr-Holtkamp Funeral Home has handled her cremation and is in charge of the services.