Funeral services for Velma F. Newell were held Tuesday, November 25, 1997 at 1:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Irwin, Iowa. Reverend Joseph Boysen officiated the service with Milton Barry as vocalist and Ruth Ann Barry as accompanist. Interment was held in Manning City Cemetery with Gary Murray, Bobby Murray, Dan Hansen, Perry Kelly, Lew Buckner and Walter Murray as casketbearers. Honorary casketbearers were Ken Kaul, Patrick Kaul, David Hansen and Michael Kelly.

Velma Frances, daughter of Jay and Dora Martindale Murray, was born January 1, 1900 at Audubon, Iowa. At age 11, she moved with her family from Audubon to a farm north of Irwin.

After finishing her schooling, she attended Snow Dressmaking School at Manning. She worked at home for about a year.

On August 28, 1928, Velma was united in marriage with Walter Newell at Adel, Iowa. Two children were born to this union. They farmed north of Irwin for about 30 years, then bought a farm near Hamlin. They lived there for eight years until the death of her husband in 1972. Velma then moved into her home in Irwin where she lived until February 1994 when she became a resident of the Manilla Manor Nursing Home.

Velma was a member of the United Methodist Church in Irwin, United Methodist Women's Afternoon Circle, Jefferson Community Club, G.G. Club, Canasta Club and Keenager Club.

Velma died on Friday, November 21, 1997, at the Manilla Manor Nursing Home, Manilla, Iowa, at the 'age of 97 years, 10 months and 20 days.

Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by both her children: Donald Newell and Shirley Pedersen; four brothers: William Dale, James and Donald Murray; and two sisters, Aseneth Drobaz and Mabel Hulsebus.

Survivors include her son-in-law, Kenneth Pedersen of Irwin, three granddaughters: Deborah and her husband, Ken Kabul, of St. Claire; Betty and her husband, Dan Hansen, of Manilla; Mary Ellen and her husband, Perry Kelley of Harlan; one grandson, Donald Newell, Jr., and his wife, Ann, of West Minster, California; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.