Velma Viola Wilber, 98, of Bronson, passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2019 at the Laurels of Coldwater.

A memorial service will be held at 12 Noon, Saturday, September 21, 2019 at The First United Methodist Church of Bronson with Pastor Samuel Gordy officiating. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM – 12 Noon prior to the memorial service at the church. Interment will follow at Bronson Cemetery. The family is being cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home in Bronson.

Velma was born on July 31, 1921 to Ernest and Verna (Mills) Sours in Bronson. She was a 1939 graduate of Bronson High School and went to work for Superintendent Elwyn J. Bodley. On October 17, 1940 she married her high school sweetheart Quenten Wilber at The First United Methodist Church in Bronson.

She worked with her husband at the Jive Hive and Bronson Floral which they had owned. She was a secretary in the legal department at Kellogg Cereal Company in Battle Creek, a receptionist at Douglas Manufacturing in Bronson and a study hall supervisor at Bronson Middle School. Velma retired from Sturgis Union Products, where she was a receptionist and secretary.

Velma was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Bronson. She sang in their choir for 50 years, taught Sunday school, worked on dinners and decorating the tables for all occasions. She was the Past President of the United Methodist Women, Worship Chairman and Past President of the Altar Guild. She was also the Past President of the Preschool Mothers Club and the Women’s League.

She enjoyed dancing, teaching line dancing, playing cards, decorating, doing all kinds of handiwork and her many friends as they were such wonderful support for her. Upon retirement, they spent winters in Arizona. She enjoyed singing and acting as Quenten and her put on many Variety Shows and comedy acts. Velma would dress as a clown as she liked to make people laugh. At age 70, she learned to paint. She won an award for some of her art work while in Arizona.

Velma loved her family as they were her pride and joy. She would make special birthday cakes for them. Velma wished to be remembered as a fun loving person who cared deeply for God, her family , friends and others. Velma was always so strong in her faith and knew she would be reunited in heaven with Quenten.
She is survived by her children; Sharry (Gary) Kirtley of Sturgis and Terry (Bea) Wilber of Bronson, her grandchildren; Gary (Rachel) Kirtley of Vicksburg, Michael (Xandrea) Kirtley of Romeo and Jason Kirtley of Burr Oak; her great grandchildren, Jacob, Joshua, Jennifer (Rob) Mason and Spencer (Jessica) Kirtley. Velma was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years Quenten, her infant son Garth Elwin Wilber and her brother.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The First United Methodist Church Quenten and Velma Education Fund.

A special thanks to the staff at the Laurels of Coldwater and the nurses with Southern Care Hospice for the loving care they gave to Velma. Rest in peace Mom, we will miss you. www.dutcherfh.com