Velma M. Hansen

BENKELMAN -- Velma Mabel Hansen, 92, died Tuesday (Dec. 28, 2004) at Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman.

She was born Nov. 10, 1912, in Dundy County to Emery and Bertha (Rickard) Miller. She attended schools in Dundy County and was the salutatorian of the 1932 graduating class of Benkelman High School. After high school, she was an elementary teacher for one year at District No. 21 in Dundy County.

On Nov. 27, 1932, she married Marvin M. Hansen. To this union five children were born: Wilfred, Ellen, Lyle, Elaine and Duane. She taught school for one year, before becoming a homemaker. The couple farmed and ranched until her husband's death in 1980.

She was a member of the Pleasant Valley Friends Church. After the church closed, she became a member of the Benkelman United Methodist Church. She volunteered with the Pleasant Valley Missionary Society.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Leonard; sister, Blanche; husband, Marvin; son, Lyle; and grandson, Donnie Hansen.

Survivors include her children, Wilfred and wife, Helen Hansen, Ellen and husband, Gene Teeter, Elaine and husband, Clifford Damrow and Duane and wife, Pattie Hansen; daughter-in-law, Barbara Hansen Pursley; 16 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Services are Friday, 11 a.m. (MST) at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with her son, Duane Hansen officiating. Interment will be in Benkelman Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in her name.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman is in charge of the arrangements.