Obituary of Velma Ann Loomis

At 95, Velma Loomis commented that the secret of life was "to not think about your age but live and go on with your life." Velma loved every minute of it but failed to achieve her goal to live to be a 100. She died peacefully after suffering from a stroke at Windsor Place, Coffeyville, KS on Tuesday, Dec 2. 2014. She was 98 and had managed to be in her own home by herself till her stroke. Born on August 26, 1916 in Murdock, KS to farming parents Elmer and Minnie (Cator) Wilson, Velma married Lawrence Loomis (also a farmer) on July 21, 1934. They had 3 girls, Wanda, Lorene, and Judy. Times were hard and Lawrence began traveling the circuit of wheat custom cutting as a means to make a living. The family traveled from as far south as Kingfisher, OK to as far north as the Canadian Border, staying in what Velma called one room motels and mobile homes-basically living out of their suitcases and were called "suitcase farmers". She cooked for the harvest crew and did it often in the field. To this day the family remembers her fried chicken, her homemade pies and rolls. She could do wonders in fixing up unlivable places with paint and wallpaper. Her role as homemaker was taken seriously and she was proud of it. She had a keen sense of humor and a streak of practicality that made life interesting and fun. She was proud to be a Kansan. She said, "My parents as well as my husband's parents were among the first settlers of Kansas." In 1956, Lawrence moved his family from Cheney, KS to Coffeyville with the Comet Mobile Homes Company. He died in 1972. Velma continued to live in Coffeyville, chose a lifestyle of embroidering, gardening, crocheting, scrapbooking and loved current events. She loved writing to her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Her heart was open and understanding. She will be missed by her daughter, Wanda Loomis, and 8 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 23 great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, two daughters, seven brothers and sisters, 2 great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild. Visitation is on Friday, December 5, 2014 from 12 pm to 8:30pm at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville with the graveside services being held on Saturday, December 6, 2014at 2:00 pm at the Robbins Cemetery west of Coffeyville, KS with Robert Carpenter officiating. Friends may call on Friday. The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 8:30 PM.