Velma Whitehead

VELMA I. WHITEHEAD

Velma I. Whitehead, age 91, of Truth or Consequences, NM, died Tuesday, December 22, 2009, in the Sierra Health Care Center.

She was born September 13, 1918, in Clark County, MO, a daughter of

Thomas Barton and Iva Pearl Pugh Koontz. She had been married to Clark Whitehead and they were the parents of four children: Robert, Barbara, Bonnie and Betty.

Survivors include a son, Robert Whitehead and his wife, Vivian, of Wyaconda, MO; two daughters, Barbara Whitehead of Hamilton, IL and Bonnie Brewer of Kahoka, MO; fourteen grandchildren: Bonnie Henke, Forrest, Wayne, Mark and Jeff Whitehead, Tammy Mutchler, Fred Peterson, Jennifer Johnston, John Peterson, Tina Nixon, Teresa Carter, Tonya Brooks, Terri Williams and Brent Watson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister in infancy; a daughter, Betty Sedillo; and a son-in-law, Eddie Brewer.

Velma graduated from Wyaconda High School. She worked for Moore Business Forms in Kahoka until it was destroyed by fire and later at Drydens and Swifts both in Keokuk. She moved to New Mexico in 1963 to improve her health, loved it there and it quickly became "home" to her. In New Mexico, she worked as a hotel clerk, in production at a toy factory, and as book-keeper for the local Senior Citizen Center.

She was affiliated with the United Methodist Church in Deming, NM. She enjoyed growing potted plants and flowers, crocheting, and was an accomplished seamstress. She worked hard to support her family and made the best homemade bread. Every Friday was spent going to garage sales with friends, picking up items for herself and for the senior center. Most of her life she owned a miniature pincher, each of which were dear companions to her.

According to her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. Memorial services were held Saturday, January 2, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka with Rev. Kenneth Beckmann officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Wyaconda Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the donor's choice.