Velma Louise Shepherd

Velma Louise Hawkins, Lairmore, Shepherd, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, friend and lover of travel passed away peacefully on April 26, 2023. Velma was known for being a kind soul, and for her strong faith and unconditional love for her family.

Velma was born in Brawley, California on March 12, 1931 and moved around as her family worked in the produce industry. In her high school years they settled in Yuma, Arizona where she attended school and graduated valedictorian class of 1949. That year, she wed Jack E. Lairmore and soon started their family. They were married for 46 wonderful years, had 2 kids, 4 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. She started her working career at Waddell Insurance

Company and then was hired by the Yuma Union High School District, which was her last employer.

After retirement Velma and Jack hit the road and traveled near and far, spending months at a time exploring the country in their RV. Some of their favorite stops were Astoria, OR, Washington DC and the south.

After Jack’s passing, Velma married her second hero, Robert “Shep” Shepherd. The two were married for 17 years and cherished their time together. They were devoted to each other, God and their family.

Velma is survived by 2 children, Steve (Kelly) Lairmore, Gary (Nancy) Lairmore; grandchildren James (Angela) Lairmore, JoLynne (Shawn) Sprague, Kate Lairmore, and Bryan (Laura) Lairmore; and stepchildren Robin (Marty) Mack, Billy (Becky) Shepherd, Bobby (Janet) Shepherd, Susan (Joe) Cruz, Jeff(Liz) Shepherd and Laura (Danny) Gauna.

She was preceded in death by her late husband Jack, second husband Shep, her parents and her stepmother.

A celebration of life will be held 1:00pm Saturday, May 27, at Funeraria del Angel Kammann mortuary, 795 W. 28th St, Yuma, AZ 85364.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Hospice of the Valley

2020 E. Woodside Ct.

Gilbert, AZ 85297

(480-730-5980)

Or to:

Amberly’s Place Family Advocacy Center

1310 S. 3rd Ave

Yuma, AZ 85364

(928-373-0849)

Please have a return address on any checks, and on the memo line write, “In memory of Velma Shepherd”.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared for the Shepherd family.