Velma Schley

VELMA SCHLEY

Anamosa

Velma Schley, 105, died Friday afternoon, July 21, 2017, at Pinicon Place, Anamosa, with her daughters by her side, after a brief illness.

A celebration of a life well lived will be held at 11 o'clock Monday morning, July 24, at Viola Methodist Church, with interment in Wilcox Cemetery, Viola. The Rev. Jim May and Chris May will officiate at the services. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Goettsch Funeral Home, Anamosa.

Memorials may be directed to the Viola Methodist Church or Above and Beyond Hospice.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com.

Surviving are two daughters, Shirley (Larry) Miell, Gladbrook, and Bonnie (Don) Wadsworth, Clarence; seven grandchildren, Teresa (Jon) Biles, Tim Wadsworth, Steve (Kathy) Miell, Greg Miell, Kelly (Shana) Miell, Kent Miell and Beth (Dave) Wiese; 21 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy Shaffer, Mount Vernon; many nieces and nephews; and special friends, Shirley Crowley, Pat Newhard, Luella Eichhorn and many more.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Walter.

Velma Lucille McVay was born June 29, 1912, in Palo, Iowa, the daughter of William and Bessie Seymore McVay. Velma graduated from Shellsburg High School and cleaned homes until she was married.

Velma McVay and Walter Schley were married Sept. 19, 1936, at the Little Brown Church, Nashua. The couple started farming in Linn County, and Velma was very active in the farming operation. In 1949, they purchased their farm on Ridge Road near Anamosa. The couple operated their farm until 1998, when they moved to Anamosa. She was proud of the 62 years they spent farming. Walter preceded her in death on July 9, 2008.

Velma was a very active woman, helping with 4-H, teaching Sunday school and as a member of the UMW and the Viola Methodist Church. Velma always was ready to go anywhere to help those in her life, and you never visited her home without eating something that "magically" appeared from her kitchen, especially ice cream.

Velma baked the cake for her parents' 50th wedding anniversary, which led to a long period of celebrating special occasions for so many family and friends. She never charged much for her baking services as she "just wanted to help people." As a truly giving person, she helped so many family and friends even during her life at Pinicon Place.

She truly will be missed by her family and friends.