| wish to share just a few thoughts with you about the woman | called “Mom”! She did not enter the work force until | graduated high school. To my chagrin (what can | say, | was young and dumb) my mother was a participant in every aspect of my life. As the only child home, my brother was 17 years older, | was Velma’s focus. That translated into studies, dance lessons, piano lessons, cheerleading, wardrobe, dating (or lack thereof), all extracurricular activities. And although | would have welcomed any distraction, | was her focal point. She loved with devotion and sometimes wit. Her favorite reminder was, I’m always one step ahead of you, whatever you dream up — I’ve already tried”. | tested her frequently and lost. She wore a size two shoe and never weighed over 90lbs her entire life but was always a powerful force. She was not always the easiest person to get along with, but you always knew where you stood with her. And if she favored you, she would attempt to move mountains for your benefit. She never forgot a kindness nor an injustice. she battled many injustices. Her life was not always an easy one, But she successfully vowed to make the best life she could for herself, her family, her friends and those in need of help. Even facing the burden of a failing memory brought on by age; mother remembered the names and faces of those who had crossed her path in life. | found | worried needlessly during social settings in fear she would be embarrassed by forgetfulness. She not only remembered, but often inquired as to the health and well being of a spouse, children or grand-children followed by a shared incident or memory. She might possibly forget she had recently spoken with you or told you that same story twice already but remember you-she did! | was often asked if it wouldn’t be better for me if | moved mother to Kansas where | might have her close by. In May 2014, | attempted an experimental move of four months. It was not ’better” for mother. | watched her begin to wilt and | realized | might be her daughter but Utah was her home and her friends were her family. Mother continued to work and was quick to explain “if you don’t use it, you'll lose it” and went on to elaborate on her desire to not sit home by stating “there is nothing on tv but sex and wreaks, and I’m not interested in either one”. She took amazing pride in announcing to individuals, who were dumbfounded to learn her age, “and | still work three half days a week for United Way”. Although | assured her everyone knew of Untied Way, she would always follow the statement with