Velma Claassen, 94, of Newton, died at her home on Friday (Oct. 1, 2010).
Velma was born on Feb. 27, 1916, in Walton, the daughter of Frank and Helena Schmidt. After graduating from Walton High School in 1934, Velma attended the Axtell Christian Hospital Nursing School, where she earned her R.N. degree in 1938. A woman of spunk, Velma moved to Chico, Calif., and worked as a nurse for seven months until she received an important phone call from Ruddie Claassen that Grandpa R.R. Claassen had died. Ruddie asked Velma if she would come home and help him take over the family farm, and Velma answered, “Yes!” Velma married Rudolph “Ruddie” Claassen on Aug. 22, 1940, at Tabor Mennonite Church. Seventy years later to the day, the couple celebrated their wedding anniversary with many friends and family members. Velma had many interests. She loved to garden, and much of the food on the table came from her green thumb. Other hobbies included sewing and reading. She was a member of E.H.U. and taught 4-H cooking and knitting classes. Velma also served on many church committees, as a hospice and Et Cetera volunteer.
Velma is survived by her husband, Ruddie of the home; their five children, Stan Claassen and wife Jan of Newton, Eileen Umholtz and husband Ken of Burrton, Dwight Claassen and wife Connie of Newton, Rogene Shank and husband Jerry of Quarryville, Pa.; and Ginger King and husband John of Moundridge; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; brother, Alvin Schmidt and wife Wilma of Walton; and sister, Leona Griffith and husband Jack of Walton. Velma was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Roland Schmidt; and sisters, Lily Whitsett and Olga Conway.
Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home in Newton, where the family will receive friends between 5 and 8 p.m. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 6, at First Mennonite Church in Newton. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials in Velma’s memory may be made to First Mennonite Church. Contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114.
