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Show “have you heard of United Way?”. many functions of the organization. Then she would continue by explaining the Her pride was not only rooted in the works of the organization but also in and with the individuals she worked, salaried as well as volunteers. For them her love was endless, and she was treated like royalty. Everyone had respect for Velma and Velma’s “chair”. When | was young and absorbed in the attempt to gain independence from high school, home, and head off to college, | gave little attention to my mother’s employment. However, as | look back, her career did not catch my interest until it was first peaked by three County Commissioners: Joan Hellstrom, Bob Hunter and Spencer Stokes. These three along with others became what is known as the “lunch bunch”. The lunch bunch was actually my mother’s family and they were gracious enough to adopt me. It would be impossible for me to list the names of all the many individuals who shared a positive moment in my mother’s life but these individuals | am obligated to name: as mentioned above Joan, Bob, Spencer along with Lowell Peterson, Barney Chapman, Flora Ogan, Bill Bailey, Susan Findlay, Doug Findlay, Kent Hellstrom, Eric Hellstrom and Reed Richards (the lunch bunch). There are no means available to cover the life of an active 105 year old in a brief message. And unfortunately, | do not possess the memory capacity of my mother. Therefore, if | inadvertently leave out a memorably important portion of her life in which you shared, | apologize. Just be aware, though | may have forgotten, she did not. | promised mother with God’s help, she would never enter a nursing home nor leave this world from a hospital bed. With the help of my husband and mother’s many friends, | was blessed with keeping that promise. | will miss her more than words can express, | will always be thankful for her driving force in my life and | have such pride in her many accomplishments. in the life of an amazing woman, “MY MOTHER”. With love and appreciation, Valetta My thanks to all who participated |
