Velma Dee Moss Kohler

In Loving Memory of Velma Dee Moss Kohler

August 10, 1928 – December 11, 2024

Velma Dee Moss Kohler, 96, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on December 11, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on August 10, 1928, in Oakley, Idaho, Velma was the fifth child and first surviving daughter of Earl R. and June Behunin Moss. She spent her formative years in Taylorsville, Utah, where she cultivated the values of faith, family, and hard work that would define her life.

Velma attended LDS Business College in Salt Lake City, Utah, before being called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern States Mission, including Minnesota and North Dakota, from 1951 to 1952. Following her mission, she married the love of her life, Kenneth L. Kohler, on December 4, 1952, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. The couple moved to Olympia, Washington, in 1953, where Ken served in the U.S. Army at Fort Lewis. Their daughter Pamela was born at Madigan Army Hospital during this time.

Returning to Salt Lake City, Velma and Ken welcomed two more children, Kathy and Brent, before settling permanently in Olympia in 1970, a region they both cherished.

Velma was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving faithfully in numerous teaching and leadership roles. In 1996, she and Ken answered another call to serve a mission, this time in Houston, Texas. Velma was also a proud member and officer of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, treasuring her pioneer heritage.

A woman of many talents, Velma was a master homemaker and an accomplished gardener, canner, and seamstress. Her skills earned her top honors at the Thurston County Fair, and she took great joy in sharing the fruits of her labor with family and friends. Velma also excelled as a Master Food Preserver and loved preserving the harvest from her garden.

Her creativity extended beyond her home. Velma worked in the Payroll Unit of the Employment Security Department for many years, where her themed monthly decorations brought joy to her colleagues. She also poured her heart into creating beautiful scrapbooks for her children and grandchildren, capturing the essence of family memories for generations to come.

Velma took pride in decorating her home for Christmastime, a season she cherished as a time to bring loved ones together.

Velma is survived by her devoted husband of 72 years, Kenneth; her daughters, Pamela and Kathy; her son, Brent; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adored her. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Fenton, Eldon, Vaughn, and Buzz Moss; and her sisters, LaVale, Devona Dowdle, and Loa Avery.

A memorial service celebrating Velma's remarkable life will be held on June 14, 2025. Details about the location and time will be announced at a later date.

Velma's legacy of love, faith, and service lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by her family, friends, and community.