Velda Lorraine Elam Derrington

Velda Derrington, 89, of Evansville, passed away peacefully January 8, 2012, in Mesa, AZ, where she had lived since 2009 close to family. Velda was born in San Mateo, CA May 4, 1922, to Roy and Florence Elam.

The Elams moved to Illinois when she was approximately two years old. After graduating from Anna High School she moved to Evansville to attend Lockyear Business College. It was during this time she met her future husband, Harold Mills. After Harold served in World War II, they had two daughters, Dawn and Debbie.

During the war, Velda worked at the Evansville Shipyards as a secretary then moved on to work for the Civil Service interviewing Soldiers returning from World War II. She also worked as a secretary for Columbia School then began her banking career working for Old National Bank and National City Bank. In between her banking careers, she and Harold owned Mills Body Shop which is still operating today.

After being widowed in 1970, she married Barney Derrington in 1974. Prior to Barney’s passing in 1977, they enjoyed much of their time traveling the United States. Velda was able to fulfill her dream of traveling from 1978 – 1996 to many countries such as Peru, China, Yugoslavia, Ireland and more.

She was an active member of Simpson United Methodist Church where she established the Derrington Scholarship for college bound students. She served as a past President of the Methodist Women’s group. She also had a special place in her heart for the “Youth Home” the church supported.

Velda loved to bowl which she picked up after meeting Harold. She participated in many tournaments and held several board positions on the Turner’s league.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Florence Elam; brother, Roy Elam, Jr.; and sister, Delia Hickman.

Velda is survived by her two daughters, Dawn Spillar (Darwin) of Keller, TX and Debbie Ricketts (Terry) of Mesa, AZ; two grandchildren, Amy Cicherski (Thomas) and Justin Ricketts (Anji); four great-grandchildren, Kyle and Allison Cicherski and Kaleb and Kaeden Ricketts; and one sister, Dimple Jean Smick of Anaheim, CA.

Services will be 3:00 PM Saturday, January 14, 2012, at Alexander Memorial Park Chapel of Remembrance, with entombment to follow. Friends may visit Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Alexander West Chapel, 2100 West Illinois Street, and Saturday from 2:00 PM until service time at the cemetery chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial contributions be made to Hospice of the Valley East, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014 or Arbor Rose Assisted Living, 6033 East Arbor Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85206. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.