We offer our condolences to the family of Verna Stell, who passed away on Feb. 5. Graveside services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday. Verna’s husband, State Representative Joe Stell, passed away in October. Together, Verna and Joe worked very hard for Carlsbad and the entire state for many years on numerous conservation and water issues. Joe was elected as a state representative of District 54 in 1986 and was named “Mr. Water” by former governor Bill Richardson. Verna was also one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet, and she was extremely dedicated to charitable causes and making the world a better place. Anyone wishing to make a donation in her memory may do so to the Joe & Verna Stell Charitable Fund within the Carlsbad Community Foundation Inc. or online at www.carlsbadfoundation.org.