Velma Ruth Gifford

Velma Ruth (Sayers) Gifford, daughter of Robert John and Bessie Belle (Bowen) Sayers, was born March 31, 1919, on the family farm in Beaver Township, Humboldt County, Iowa. She attended Humboldt High School and graduated in May 1935, at the age of sixteen as Salutatorian of her class. Shortly after graduation, she attended business school in Chillicothe, Missouri. On December 16, 1945, Velma was united in marriage to Elmer Lawrence Gifford in Humboldt, Iowa. They shared 16 years of marriage together and were blessed with six children: Rebecca, Robert, David, Paul, Wayne and Phillip. Velma was a hardworking woman and took great pride in caring for her family. During her working years, she was employed in several small towns while still in Iowa, as well as Des Moines, Washington, DC, and Ketchikan Alaska. After moving to the Gifford family farm in 1952, she began working at the Pulaski County Memorial Hospital in Waynesville where she spent 18 ½ years, then as a bookkeeper in her son Wayne’s law office for 19 years. At an early age, Velma made a profession of faith and served her Lord faithfully. She served her churches as pianist, secretary, treasurer and song leader. She also enjoyed mission trips…three overseas in Haiti, Honduras and Ecuador and also in South Dakota and Wyoming. She loved spreading the Gospel of God’s love. Velma went home to be with her Lord Monday, May 5, 2014 in the Houston House of Houston, Missouri having attained the age of 95 years. In addition to her parents, two brothers and one sister, Velma was preceded in death by her husband Elmer and son Phillip Stephen Gifford. Velma leaves to cherish her memory, five children: Rebecca Atwell (Ken) of Hurst, TX, Robert Gifford of Licking, MO, David Gifford (Anne) of Colleyville, TX, Paul Gifford (Sharon) of Laquey, MO and Wayne Gifford (Linda) of Laquey, MO; one sister: Jean Eastman of Humboldt, IA; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, other relatives and friends. She will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all that knew and loved her. Services were held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 8, 2014 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Pastor Robert Gifford and Pastor Jonathan Atwell officiating. The songs “Amazing Grace” and “Because He Lives” were played. Serving as escorts were Velma’s grandchildren and great grandchildren. Burial followed in the Fairview Cemetery of Laquey, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.