Velma Pearl Walker, the daughter Elmo and Cleo Clary was born November 23, 1918 at Oto, Iowa. She passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at the Red Oak Rehab and Care Center, Red Oak, Iowa, at the age of 102 years and 27 days.

Velma's family moved to Clarinda, Iowa, where she attended high school. She was an excellent swimmer and diver, and participated in AAU diving meets. She graduated from Clarinda High School in 1936. On October 18, 1937, Velma was united in marriage to Arthur "Miles" Walker in Clarinda. Three children joined this union, Diana, Arthur and Mary. Velma kept the home fires burning for two years while Miles served in the Pacific during WW II. In 1947, the family moved to Red Oak, where she helped Miles at his shoe repair business. Dorothy, Martin, Eileen and Jeff joined the family. Velma worked for 24 years at Union Carbide Battery Company, retiring in 1980. She was an active member of the Presbyterian Church, member of Dorcus Women's group and past member of the Red Oak Monday Club. Velma loved reading, sewing dolls, oil painting, and spending time with family.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents: husband, Miles Walker on November 12, 1978; infant son, David John Walker; daughter, Mary Harlan; son, Jeff Walker; sisters: Merle Semmler and Wilma Eckenfels and brother, Cedric Clary.

Velma is survived by five children: Diana (Glen) Knop of Emerson, IA, Arthur (Marian) Walker of Shenandoah, IA, Dorothy (Marlin) Bills of Jenks, OK, Martin (Carolyn) Walker of Mt. Ayr, IA, and Eileen (Dave) Bisbee of Stanton, Iowa; 17 grandchildren: Mark Knop, Randal Knop, Arthur Walker, Philip Walker, Lynnette Anderson Carver, Michelle Lundy, Leigh Ann Good, David Bills, Amy Gehle, Eric Walker, Brian Bisbee, Bonnie Ahrens, Sarah McCarthy, Sheryl Davis, Krystal VanDecar, Sarah Walker, and Kelli Walker; 22 great-grandchildren: Joshua & Jerrica Knop, Alex & Randi Knop, Jen & Alex Carver, Aaron, Krista & Maddie Lundy, Collin Good, Natalia & Garrett Bills, Megan & Hannah Gehle, Eleanor & Lucy Walker, Griffin Anderson, Cassie & Owen Bisbee, Liam & Henry McCarthy, and Jazlyn Walker; 7 great-great-grandchildren: Jocoby, Kenley & Braxton Knop, Jaxson & Avery Nienhaus, Addison Jones, and Jerzi Anderson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Graveside Service will be held
Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.
Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak, Iowa
Rev. Caryn Pedersen, Officiating

Family and friends may meet at the funeral home at 1:30 p.m. for procession to the cemetery.
Velma's service will be live-streamed on Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home's Facebook page. Facial masks and social distancing will be required.

Open Viewing will be Monday, December 21, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home. Facial masks and social distancing will be required.

Memorials may be directed to the Red Oak Public Library.

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.