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In loving memory

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July 3, 1934 –  July 18, 2016  Velma’s life began in Sivells Bend, Texas in 1934 where she received her early education. With the opportunity of employment, her father moved his family to California where she finished high school. In California Velma married Charles Johnson and they welcomed four children into the world: Charles Dale, Gale, Jimmie and DeDe.

Velma’s life then took a different direction when she married Gene Hale. For almost two decades she lived on a horse ranch in Taft, California and the two traveled extensively. She and Gene had a good life together until his death in 1991. Following his death she returned home to Sivells Bend to be close to family and friends. Velma reunited with her childhood sweetheart, Robert Richey and they were inseparable until his final days.

She had a unlimited passion for people, an amazing flare for interior design and a very infectious personality. Velma was greatly loved by everyone who met her, from the friends at the Stanford House, to her customers at the Goodwill Store, to the patients she spent hours nursing in their final years. For those individuals who were lucky to have Velma care for them – she became a beloved member of their family.

Besides the reward of caring for seniors in their final months, she was able to work alongside her daughter, Gale who became her Angel in the last weeks of her life. Another Angel, her sister Jessie Weaver, was with her every day of her illness. Velma believed in the dignity of growing old and practiced what she preached!

Velma passed from this life on Monday morning, July 18, 2016 at her residence in Gainesville. For her family and friends, a Celebration of Her Life will be held Saturday, July 30th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at her beloved Stanford House, 401 W. Garnett, Gainesville Texas.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Anita Leaza of Hospice Plus.