Velma Marie Rinks

Velma Marie Harbour Rinks, age 84, passed away peacefully at her home in Avondale, Colorado, on June 23, 2025. She was the beloved wife of Mike Rinks, and together they shared 36 wonderful years of marriage.

Velma was born in Crowley, Colorado, to Delton and Opal Harbour and was raised in Avondale. She graduated from County High School in Pueblo County and went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

Velma dedicated over 40 years to the field of Rehabilitation Counseling in Colorado. She served as President of Val-Com Vocational Resources and President of Outlook Center for Rehabilitation, both in Pueblo, offering support and services throughout Southern Colorado. Alongside her husband Mike, she also operated the Huerfano Lake Ranch, Land and Cattle Company in South Avondale. Velma had a deep love for animals—especially her horses—and life on the ranch brought her great joy.

A devoted member of Parkhill Baptist Church, Velma was active in Children's Ministries, sharing her faith and love with the younger generations. She also enjoyed fishing, quilting, candy making, baking, and canning, often passing these traditions down to her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered most for her generous heart and lifelong passion for helping others.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Velma’s name to Care and Share or A Caring Pregnancy Center in Pueblo, Colorado.

Velma was preceded in death by: Her parents: Delton and Opal Harbour. Sisters: Mary Alice Reynolds, Vesta Mae Provost, and Barbara Dionisio. Grandson: Ryan Milberger

She is survived by her loving husband, Mike Rinks; Children: Carolyn Talbert, Cheryl Sagstetter (Larry), John Milberger (Maria), Kari Connor (Jason), Marilyn Ann Johnson, Sam Durando-McNeil (Mary) and Shellene Swan (Tim).

Grandchildren: Amber Bradburn, Caterina Davis (Chris), David Sagstetter (Morgan), Emma McGuire, Eric Tacey, John Bradburn (Jessica), Joshua Richards, Kalia Swan, Keith Richards, Marriah Elliott (Tanner), Rylie Rinks, Samantha Richards, Sean Tacey, Tyler Swan.

Great-Grandchildren: Brynlee Elliott, Caden Tacey, Emily Barton (Cole), Joe Tacey, Jordan Richards, Joy Bradburn, LJ Bradburn, Matney Tacey.

Great-Great-Grandchildren: Jaxon Barton, Paisley Barton, Saige Barton, Scottlyn Barton

Brother: Delton Harbour (Helen).

Cherished Friends: Sean Moon, Fred Stiles, Brian and Karen Bruton (Texas), Mary Fowler, Wendy Kern, Leroy and Lorraine Garcia, Chris Vigil, Martin Sterobl and Sabine Aigner of Austria, and all her dear friends at Parkhill Baptist Church.

Public visitation calling hours for Velma will be held Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Parkhill Baptist Church, 4235 Parkhill Pl, Pueblo, CO 81008, with a funeral service to follow. The graveside committal is at Imperial Memorial Gardens Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery, 5450 CO-78, Pueblo, CO 81005. with a reception to follow graveside committal in the main Imperial Funeral Home Hall.