Velma Hamilton, 100

Velma L. Hamilton age 100 of Currie, MN died Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at her home.  Services were held Saturday, March 17, 2012 at the Tracy United Methodist Church. Interment was be in the Slayton Memorial Cemetery.  The Almlie Family Funeral Homes of Tracy, Balaton and Westbrook handled the arrangements. 

Online condolences may be placed at www.almliefh.com

Velma Lucille Hamilton was born August 13, 1911 to John J. and Delia A. (Miller) Witter in Dovray Township, Murray County, MN.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith and attended Country School District #27.

On June 24, 1934 Velma and Ralph Hamilton eloped to Cherokee, IA and were united in marriage.  She was a housewife, farm wife and nurse.  She was an active part of the farming operation, from raising chickens to milking cows, driving tractor, and bookkeeping.  She especially enjoyed the baby calves.  Velma was employed at Tracy Municipal Hospital starting in 1964 and worked there for over twenty years; while there she studied to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.  She told us one time that she had always wanted to be a nurse.  Ralph and Velma were married for nearly 57 years.

Velma did a lot of needlework, including crochet and embroidery.  She was an active person, walking a mile almost every day until age 96.  At age 97, she renewed her driver’s license.  In later years, she took pride in keeping her large lawn mowed just right – nobody else could do it properly.  She was a Minnesota Twins fan and didn’t miss many of their games on TV.  She was a member of Holly Methodist Church and taught Sunday School.  She also was a 4-H leader for Holly All-Stars 4-H Club.  Velma lived her entire life in Dovray and Holly Townships.

On Wednesday, March 14, 2012 Velma died at her home, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 100.

Velma is survived by her daughter, Barbara Hamilton, formerly of Pasadena, CA, who lived and cared for her mother the past three years; son, Howard (Judy) Hamilton of Currie, MN; three grandchildren, Brian (Barb) Hamilton of Shakopee, MN, Brenda (Mike) Madsen of Fairmont, MN and Paula (David) Dovre of Camas, WA; eight great grandchildren, Scott, Dayna, and Connor Madsen, Erik, Alex, and Leah Hamilton, and Autumn and Dawson Dovre;  special niece, Laurel Sollinger Bartels of Alexandria, MN, who was raised by Velma and Ralph’s family; sister, Doris Score of Brainerd, MN; nieces, nephews and friends.

Her husband, Ralph, her parents, two sisters, Ferne Hamilton and Faye Spoors, and two brothers, Eldon “Bud” Witter and Russell Witter preceded her in death.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the services of the Murray County Hospice and request that memorials be given to them in lieu of flowers.