A graveside service for Velma Martin, 90, of Jefferson, will be held September 10 at Jefferson Municipal Cemetery. The Rev. Heather Dorr of First United Methodist Church in Jefferson will officiate.
Velma M. Martin, a cherished mother, grandmother, partner, and friend, passed away peacefully September 6, 2024, at the Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone. Velma was born May 29, 1934, in Dallas County, and graduated from Grand Junction High School.
Her work ethic was evident from her first job at Milligan Feed in Jefferson. Velma’s dedication and trustworthiness led her to Peoples Trust and Savings Bank in Grand Junction, where she served the community during her 30-year tenure.
Throughout summers in that time, she enjoyed the time spent with family at their lake cabin on Twin Lakes. In 1989, a new chapter began when Velma and her husband Darwin purchased Sharon’s Quilts in Eureka Springs, AR. She gained a passion for business, as she successfully operated the store, and continued even after Darwin’s passing. Velma retired to Rogers, AR, but her love for family led her back home to Iowa in the spring of 2018 with her long-time partner, Hubert Vannatter.
Velma’s life was reflected by her diverse interests and community involvement. She found many friends as a member of the Red Hat Society, and her love for travel took her on many vacations with family, creating memories that will be treasured forever. A lifetime member of the Methodist church, Velma enjoyed volunteering for various organizations and gave generously of her time and talents. Velma’s life was a journey of love, hard work, and dedication to the things she held dear, and will be remembered as one of kindness and resilience. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family, as family was truly the heart of Velma’s world.
She is survived by her son, Kevin (Cheryl) Martin of Loveland, CO; her daughter Kimberly (Jeffrey) Roeder of Jefferson; her grandsons Derek Roeder, Kyle (Emily) Roeder, and Joshua Martin; her significant other Hubert Vannatter; her sister Shirley (Wayne) Seaman; and her sister-in-law Phoebe Renslow.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband Darwin, parents Floyd and Pearl (Coffman) Renslow, and brother Donald Renslow.
Memorials are suggested to The Webb House, Ever Greene Ridge Foundation, or the First United Methodist Church in Grand Junction, IA.
Services were arranged by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home and Cremation Care, Jefferson, Iowa.
