We just got back from an extended vacation and found out about Velma’s passing. She was a wonderful neighbor.  We live across the street and she had the most beautiful flowers!  I enjoyed playing cards with her when she substituted in our card club for many years.  She will be missed.  Velma and Ed are just the nicest neighbors.  Always willing to give a helping hand.

Velma was always a part of our lives and played a big part in many childhood memories. We remember lots of family gatherings at Ed and Vel's home when we were kids. Even then we could see that Velma and Ed were happy together and loved their family. Velma's passing is a big loss and we will miss her. With our love and sympathy to all, Hillaree and Bill, Mike and Paulette


Ed and Velma Thornhill were our next door neighbors since we moved in next door in 1988.  We were very fortunate to have such good neighbors.  We could tell Spring was here because Velma would emerge from Winter and start her garden preparations.  All summer she was there tending her garden and waiving to us. I especially loved the Patriot Breakfasts at Ward Church where I would sit with Velma and Ed.  They had a loving and successful marriage which is a model for all.  See you in Heaven someday.

Our family lived next to Velma and Ed for over 6 years.  It was truly such a comforting feeling having then right next door.  They were always kind, and Velma was always nice to our girls when they came to admire her flowers.  Velma always kept a beautiful yard, planting flowers.  We pray for Velma, and for Ed, and are thankful to have had them as neighbors.

When I think of my grandma, I think of persistent and enduring love. She showed us all how to have loves that last a lifetime through her marriage, her devotion to raising her five children, and her joy in all of her grandchildren. She is unforgettable and will be deeply missed from her fierce presence at every game to telling us the news over a cup of coffee. Until we meet again grandma, we will bask in having your love for the rest of each of our lifetimes. 

Our sincere condolences to Ed, Steve, Sue, Greg, and Kathy, as well as the rest of the family and friends, for the loss of a truly special lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  God bless 

Ed, I am so sorry for your loss. Unfortunately, I’m working both days and cannot be at the viewing or funeral.  I will keep you and your family in my prayers. 

Velma was a special friend for over 55 years.  In the beginning we shared recipes over the fence while we watched our children play and later we talked about our families and especially about our children and grandchildren.  We spent many New Year’s Eves together with our husbands having dinner, playing cards and of  course followed by dessert.  She was a wonderful, kind, thoughtful friend who will be missed. 

We will miss aunt Velma so much. Some of my earliest memories are trying to hide in the car so all the cousins could spend the night together and her being fine with it. I remember making dozens and dozens of Christmas cookies with her. I still have the ornament that she made by hand  ( a mailbox with mine and Dennis name) for us when we were first married. I always will feel special that we share the same middle name.  Velma was always able to help you see things in a different way and  supportive. I will continue to pray for the entire family. May God bless to all the Thornhill’s and with deepest sympathy for your loss and hoping for moments of peace and comfort in the coming days. 
 

Velma loved Ed and made sure he ate the best of food even if it meant packing their car full of Costco's finest food for their two week stay in St. Augustine, Florida.

Ed loves Velma and took care of her until God in His Mercy took her home to care for her. In God's Grace He left behind  their great family  to comfort him.

This is a Sacred Transitional Moment. Gil & I are and will continue to surround your hearts with our prayers. May God's Comfort and Strength saturate your hearts and thoughts.






Ed:  We are so sorry about the loss of Velma.  She was a very positive person.
She loved life and she was an inspiration to all Her Family and Her Friends.
We Wish you strength, comfort and support and Velma will never be forgotten and no one  can ever take away your memories of her.
We will never forget Velma and we are sending all of our love to you and to your Family.
May Velma Rest In Peace.
Jack & Maisie Thornhill

Mom was ALWAYS ready for some family time!  Ever present for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  We’re so fortunate to have had her in our lives.  We cherish the memories and all she taught us.  Heavens gain is our loss…

I was fortunate to spend my earliest years living right next door to the Thornhill's.  Although we moved away, Mrs. Thornhill always had a special way of letting you know you were remembered.  Whether it be helping my mom make chocolates for my wedding, special cards (some ordered to be delivered from remote places) celebrating my daughter's birth or her wonderful yearly Christmas cards.  She was always present for our family's special occasions and was one my mother's dearest friends.  I am saddened not to be able to attend her services, but my thoughts, prayers and love are with all of you.      Anne Marie   

My deepest sympathy to you Ed and to your family.   Imagine having 68 wonderful years together.  You and Velma were blessed with a wonderful marriage and a loving family.     Velma was so beautiful.  May she R.I.P.  May God help you and your family get through this difficult time.

I’m so ver sad to hear this.  I have such fond memories of Mrs Thornhill  from my youngest days….she made green Kool-Aid when my mom wouldn’t 😊. She will be forever remembered as a great, generous and loving lady.  Many hugs and prayers to the entire family at this loss.  

Alan and I wish to convey our sympathy to everyone in the Thornhill family. It was always a joy at family celebrations to visit with Velma and Ed. We continued to exchange Christmas cards every year and I was always so impressed with her handwriting. Many a game of hand and foot was played around the kitchen table in Midland. God’s peace to all

Forever grateful,  is the sentiment I want to convey. A few years ago I was suffering the effects of Congenital Heart Failure. One of these symptoms was the inability to sleep, I would be up for days, without a real hope of getting some kind of sleep.  It.was a difficult time. 
As time went on, my symptoms not improving, Doug and Kathy invited my Wife and I over to their house for a Christmas gathering, Velma and Ed were also there. During the course of the evening Velma brought out a bottle of Mimosa she had picked up somewhere and offered me a glass to toast the holiday. Now I’m not a drinker, in fact I hadn’t had a drink to speak of in years, but I accepted, It was close to the end of a wonderful celebration, and we all toasted the occasion, each with our own  libation, me with Velma’s Mimosa. 
My wife and I said our goodbyes and went home for the evening. When I got home I sat in my usual chair turned on the TV,  and prepared for another long and sleepless night, my wife went to bed. To my surprise that night I slept like I’ve never slept before. I awoke the next morning feeling so refreshed!  I thank whatever power brought Velma and I together on that  night. I still have the heart condition, and I still have a small glass of Mimosa before going to bed, I have slept soundly ever since that night!
Thank you Velma, you will forever be in my heart as the woman who gave me my life back! You will be forever missed! Thank you, Gerry, and Anne Marie.

Kathy Doug and family,

My sincere condolences on the loss of your beautiful mother. Velma was such a spark of fun and happiness. She loved all of you so much. She also kept up on things going on in our family and always asked how everyone was doing. May all of you continue to cherish your loving memories. She is resting at peace with our Savior. God Bless all of you.

Mom, We're so glad that you were surrounded by love as you went to your heavenly home. It brings us comfort to know that you are in heaven, but we'll be forever broken hearted at being separted from you now. Thank you for all that you did to raise us, and thank you for all the care you gave dad for those 68 years. Love you forever, 

Kathy and Doug

I love this family for their love of games. Velma was always ready no matter what was being played. Uncle Bob says she has been his best partner and opponent in Euchre. I remember a pretty vivacious game of croquet. We all feared Velma when the mallets came out. How many can say she knocked you out of play during a croquet game? Love your energy, spice, enthusiasm and pure will. God Bless and Rest In Peace Velma. 

We will sincerely miss Velma, she was a major part of our lives. We will never forget the times we shared during the neighborhood parties. It was fun watching the kids grow up and we will deeply miss our times with her catching up at Meijer’s, and always being updated on your family through your annual Christmas cards.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

       - Sincerely, Evon and Fred Miller.

I’ll always remember all of the nights playing card games. How she never forgot a single holiday or birthday card with the heart stickers and stamps from santa’s workshop. She was such a bright light in all of our lives. She made me and our whole family feel so loved and special. I will think back on all of our times together and know that she’s no longer in pain. I’ll love you and miss you forever Grandma. Grandpa I love you with my whole heart too. I am thankful that I got to be there with you in her last days. 

Wow! I have so many great memories of my Aunt Velma.  Like helping her watch her children after school just so she could catch her breath.   She encouraged me to stop biting my nails by promising to make me a whole pie to myself.  The pie was great (I didn't share it with anyone) and I never bit my nails again! What comes to mind the most is our phone conversations. She was a wonderful listener and always respected my opinions.  I will miss her so much and our wonderful talks.  Love you Aunt Velma.

My lovely Aunt Velma that had many gatherings at her home over the years that I remember fondly, Christmas with my cousins, begging to sleep over, a lovely bridal shower in mine and Steve’s honor, many summer days going to the pool and walking up to the mini golf, many days of decorating cookies and then trying to sneak them, many warm hugs and always a card and well wishes on our shared date of my birthday and her and my Uncle Ed’s wedding anniversary.  My heart goes to all of my family with love, the Barbers

I have so many great thoughts and memories of Velma! When she came to get her hair styled  , loved her stories especially her vacation stories , she taught me how to pack for the car, and all the historical places to find on your way, also her stories for the love of her husband Ed, and all her children and their families! 
Sincerely,
Karen Bearer



Love you Mom.  You will always be in my heart.  Thank you for all you did for us throughout our lives.  Thank you for being a wonderful grandmother to Kenneth and Paige.
Love you forever ❤️.

OBITUARY

Velma Anne Thornhill

27 September, 1934 – 16 February, 2022

Harry J Will Funeral Homes

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