Born in Homeland, West Virginia, to Bruce and Pearl Utt, Velma later made her home in Mansfield, Ohio, where she spent many years surrounded by family and friends.
Velma shared 57 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Delbert Clutter. She was devoted to her family and cherished the years spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her son, Keith Clutter; her daughter, Cookie (Steve) Hilliard; granddaughters, Brandy (Robert) Bellucci, Alicia Yates, and Rachel Workman; her brother, Gary (Linda) Utt; sisters-in-law, Louise Smith, Lydia Lewis, and Jo Ann Clutter; and great-grandchildren, Ava and Kinley Yates and Dominic and Gunnar Bellucci. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and her beloved neighbors, Dale and Vickie Morris.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bruce and Pearl Utt; her husband, Delbert Clutter; her son, Terry Clutter; her nephew, Mike Utt; and her brothers, Maxwell Utt, Alfred Utt, Robert Utt, Parker Utt, and Charles Utt.
Known best as the “#1 Grandma,” Velma was especially loved for her home cooking. Her pancakes were a favorite among her granddaughters and great-grandchildren, and she would happily make them at a moment’s notice. She stayed busy in the kitchen year-round. In the summer, you would find her cold-packing half-runner beans; in the fall, slicing apples for applesauce pie; and at Christmas, standing next to a big mountain of Chex Mix. She was also known for her famous cornbread, peanut butter fudge, homemade biscuits, and potato candy.
If you ever stopped by Velma’s home, she was sure to offer you something to eat. She truly loved her time at the stove, cooking for the people she loved most.
Velma was always thankful for visitors. It was not uncommon to stop by for a quick visit and find someone else doing the same. In her earlier years, she hosted many holiday gatherings for her family.
If Velma was not hosting, she was visiting. She enjoyed camping in West Virginia and going out on the boat at Charles Mill Lake. You could often find her out shopping with her late friend, Della. Later in life Velma enjoyed keeping up with friends and family over the phone, especially Linda Hosey and Lousie Smith.
Despite being 97, Velma kept up with the times and enjoyed fashion and style. Velma often said, “If you’re not spending, you’re not living.” She faithfully kept her weekly hair appointment with her dear niece, Sandra Kay, who always made sure Aunt Velma looked her best.
Velma also loved crocheting and sewing. Over the years, she made countless quilts, baby blankets, potholders, and dish towels for family and loved ones.
Velma was a strong woman of faith and a lifelong member of Apostolic Faith Assembly in Mansfield, Ohio. She loved her church family and especially enjoyed making peanut brittle and attending fellowship dinners.
She will be remembered most for her deep love of God, her family, her generous heart, and the many memories shared around her kitchen table.
Visitation will be held on March 16, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. Funeral services will be held on March 17, 2026, at 10:00 am, with burial immediately following at Mansfield Memorial Park. Services will be officiated by Pastor Robert O’Brian and Pastor Rick Utt.
Memorial contributions can be made to Apostolic Faith Assembly, 258 Stadium Street, Mansfield, Ohio, 44905.
