Velma Grace Wakeman

Velma Wakeman was born Sept. 2nd, 1914, to Arch Lee (Archie) & Laura Nancy Rosetta Knutter Mellon in Milliken. With the exception of a few years during World War II, she had lived in Milliken all of her life until moving to assisted living facilities in Greeley & Evans in 2008. She attended Milliken High School and graduated in 1932. She married Reginald (Rex) Wakeman May 27th, 1937. Rex passed away Nov. 1st, 1983. She was "active" in the Milliken Presbyterian Church all her life, serving on many boards, committees, and associated organizations. She sang in the church choir for many years as well as serving as the Sunday School pianist. She volunteered for the Milliken Seniors Center meal program as well as volunteering for the America Reads program by reading with district RE-5J grade school students during the week. Among other awards, in 2000 she received the Weld County's "Outstanding Service Award" for her volunteer work in the RSVP program. She was a member of the RSVP for over 30 years. She was the Honored Senior for Milliken Beef N Bean day in 2003. She belonged to the Refulgent Rebekah Lodge for 50 years, the Milliken Woman's Club for 30 years, and the Nimble Thimble (social club),for over 50 years. Prior to "retirement", she had worked at the County Clerk’s office, Woolworth's 5 & dime, both potato dock's in Milliken, Johnson's Corner, served as the Milliken Post Office rural carrier for 10 years, and many in the local community remember her as "the Avon Lady", having sold Avon for many years as well. She enjoyed her flower gardens and playing the organ and piano. She also maintained a scrapbook collection (48 scrapbooks beginning in the 1920's) containing a great deal of historical information of the local history of Milliken and Weld County. She is survived by her three children – Janice (Ken) Williams and Richard (Peggy) Wakeman of Milliken and Larry (Cindy) Wakeman of Greeley, in addition to seven grandchildren - Keith (Yoshiko) Williams, Deborah (Bob) Kirkman, Kristin (Craig) Eidson, James Wakeman, Mindy Wakeman, Jeff Wakeman, and Keri (Derek) Edberg; nine great grandchildren; one step great grandson; two great- great grandchildren; and two step great- great grandchildren. Memorial Contributions may be made to the "Milliken Presbyterian Church”, "Milliken Senior Center”, or "Milliken Historical Society” in care of Adamson Funeral & Cremation Services, 2000 47th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80634. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Milliken Presbyterian Church, 201 S. Olive Avenue, Milliken, CO at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 7, 2013 with viewing one hour prior to the service. Private interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.adamsonchapels.com.