Velma Ruth Vanhoy

Velma Ruth Vanhoy was born December 30, 1919 in Ralston, Oklahoma.  She was the daughter of Frank Simon and Callie (Frazier) Berger.  She was raised and attended most of her education in Ralston, moving to Hallett in her high school years.  Velma graduated from Hallett High School in 1937.
   Velma was married to Kenneth Lloyd Vanhoy on November 25, 1937.  The couple made their initial home in Hallett and remained in Hallett their entire married life of nearly forty-eight years.  Kenneth preceded her in death on April 1, 1985. 
    In 1952, Velma accepted a position with Munsingwear in Hominy where she worked as a seamstress for nearly three years.  In 1955, she was appointed Postmaster, Hallett, Oklahoma and served in that capacity for twenty-seven years; retiring in 1982.   
   While residing in Hallett, Velma was a member of the Hallett Christian Church.  She was active in a woman's club in Hallett for many years as well as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Velma loved spending time outdoors and especially enjoyed gardening, both flower and vegetable.  She spent countless hours maintaining her yard. 
   Her other hobbies included sewing, quilting, crocheting, knitting and ceramics.  She was a member of a quilting group in Hallett for many years and then later a member of a similar group in Pawnee.   She could often be found reading her Bible.  She also enjoyed working crossword puzzles.  She loved birds and animals of all kinds and would often take in baby martins she found out of the nest, caring for them until they were able to be released. 
   Velma was described by her family and friends as a determined, tenacious woman who was independent, caring and extremely family oriented.  If she set her mind to something it was going to be accomplished.  Velma moved from her home in Hallett in 1999 to a new home in Pawnee.  While in Pawnee, Velma attended  the Christian Church.  She always enjoyed going back to Hallett to attend the annual Hallett reunion and participating in Memorial Day activities.   
   Velma passed from this life on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at Saint Ann's Home in Oklahoma City at the age of ninety-five.  In addition to her husband, Kenneth, Velma was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Simon and Callie Ellora Berger; two brothers, Frank and Vernon Berger; and a sister, Vera Geyer. 
   She is survived by a son, Kenneth Vanhoy and his wife Carol of  Edmond, Oklahoma; a son, William Geyer and his wife Linda of Tulsa, Oklahoma; a daughter, Carol Ann Counce and her husband Kirby of Tulsa, Oklahoma; a daughter, Valerie Young and her husband Ronnie of Pawnee, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren, Michelle and Rusty Kennedy, Mickie Vanhoy, David and Sherry Wilson, Cheri Vanhoy,  Andy Geyer, Greg Young, Adam and Shana Young, Allan and Katherine Young; four great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and a sister, Vonna V. West of Colton, California.
   Visitation will be held at the Poteet Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Pawnee from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2015.  A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Poteet Funeral Home Chapel at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 20, 2015 with Dick Risinger officiating.  Serving as pallbearers and alternate pallbearers will be Greg Young, Allan Young, Adam Young, David Wilson, Andy Geyer, Rusty Kennedy, Bryce Berger, Keith Lindon and Darrel Lindon.