Verka Ilieva, 76, of Columbus passed away surrounded by family on Friday, August 5, 2022. Born in Capari, Macedonia, Verka immigrated to the United States with her family in 1971. She was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Macedonian Orthodox Church. Full of love & light, Verka's kindness and generosity touched all who met her. She carried herself with rare grace and elegance, radiating in selfless beauty. To her family, Verka was a pillar of endless support and devotion, showing her love through her sensational cooking and baking – especially her famous tulumbi. Verka leaves behind a legacy of compassion and generosity, instilling these values in her children and grandchildren through her altruism and countless stories about the "Old Country."  She is preceded in death by her father Vasil, mother Ilinka, brother Atanas, father-in-law Trajan, mother-in-law Bona, and brother-in-law Dimitri. She will be eternally celebrated by her husband of 56 years, Kiril; children Nikola and Lubinka (Gustavo); grandchildren Renata, Aleksander, and Sofia; sister-in-law, Zora, nephew, Dragi, and niece, Liljana (Toni); sister-in-law, Nada, and nephews, Zoran and Pece (Donna); great-nephews, Dimitri and Dominik, and great-nieces, Xristina, Ivana, and Arabela. Having been enriched by Verka's infinite love for her family, they will carry her memory in their hearts, forever. Those wishing to honor and remember Verka may call on Wednesday, August 10 ^th from 6pm to 8pm at EVANS FUNERAL HOME 4171 E. Livingston Ave. Funeral service to follow on Thursday, August 11 ^th at 11am at St. Mary's Macedonian Orthodox Church 400 S. Waggoner Rd. with Rev. Radovan Cekovski officiating. Interment to proceed at Glen Rest Cemetery 8029 E. Main St.