Velma Frances Smith

Velma Frances Smith was born May 26, 1923 to Franklin and Margaret Wheeler, in Saskatchewan, Canada. She was the youngest of four children. The family moved to Toppenish and later the "big city," Vancouver, Washington, where she graduated from Vancouver High School in 1941.

Velma married Darrell Smith on November 3, 1945. The marriage lasted 54 years, until Darrell passed away in 2000. They had two sons, Robert and Richard.

Velma worked as a Bookkeeper until her children came along. She had an eye for fashion, a green thumb for gardening and loved being active, but most of all she valued family. She loved nothing more than taking care of her two boys and her husband. She had to wait a long time, but finally became a grandmother late in life. She proudly showed off her grandson, Tae, by giving him rides on her lap and showing him off to her many friends.

Velma had a pleasant and generous spirit, and almost always had a smile on her face. She treated everyone she met with kindness and respect.

Velma passed away May 19, 2015, exactly one week shy of her 92nd birthday. She was preceded in death by her husband and by her older siblings, Emma, Lorna and Frank. She is survived by her son, Rob, his wife Sunshine, and her grandson, Tae; and her son Richard.

Velma's loving spirit will live forever in the many lives she touched.

Arrangements under the direction of Caldwell's, Hennessey, Goetsch & McGee Funeral Home, Portland, OR.