Velva Mullis Magnuson
- BORN: November 27, 1907
- DIED: February 22, 2010
- LOCATION: Greeley, CO
Velva Mullis Magnuson, of Greeley, passed away Monday, February 22, 2010 at Life Care Center of Greeley at the age of 102.
She was born November 27, 1907 to Samuel Clifford and Pearl Matilda (Dowers) Mullis in Cole, MO.
At an early age, the family moved to the state of Washington where Velva started school. Her mother developed tuberculosis which caused them to leave Washington state for a higher altitude and drier climate. They moved to Eaton, Colorado in 1915. Her mother died the next year. Her father was the groundskeeper for the Bruce Eaton estate at Woods Lake. He thought it best to have Velva raised in the town of Eaton. Mr. and Mrs. Otto Hartsock invited her to live with them, which she did until her marriage. The Hartsocks were proprietors of The Big Store on Oak Avenue, which was an important business and landmark in Eaton. Velva worked at the store during her fourteen years living with the Hartsocks. Velva graduated from Eaton High School in 1926. She was the oldest living graduate of the school at the time of her death. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Eaton for 94 years.
On New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1930, she married Herman T. Magnuson. At that time, they were reputed to be “the most handsome couple” in Eaton. They lived on the 80 acre family farm at the west edge of Eaton, where Eaton Middle School and Benjamin Square are now located. Herman died February 10, 1991. Velva continued to live there until 2003 when she moved to Greeley.
Velva was a life member of the First Congregational Church in Eaton. She participated in the Eaton Music Club for 40 years, was a member of Chapter AB of the PEO sisterhood in Eaton, a member of the Eaton Pioneer Society and the Swedish Club of Northern Colorado. She was also active with the Eaton Young Matrons, a county extension group. Velva was quite a gifted water color artist and was renowned for her cooking abilities. Her other hobbies included gardening, sewing, some traveling and cheering on the Denver Broncos.
Velva is survived by daughter and son-in-law Sharon and William Farr of Timnath, son and daughter-in-law Gerald “Jerry” and Maureen Magnuson of Oxnard, CA, three grandchildren, David Magnuson of Laguna Hills, CA, Brian Magnuson of Lake Forest, CA and Andreas Farr of Westminster, CO and 8 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death her husband, Herman and a granddaughter, Suzanne.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the First Congregational Church of Eaton/Ault. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the First Congregational Church of Eaton/Ault in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 702 13th St., Greeley, CO 80631.
http://www.tributes.com/condolences/view_memories/87922524
Dear Sharon, I’m sorry to hear of Velva’s passing. I always looked forward to seeing her on my visits to Eaton. I am grateful for her long, full life and our family’s friendship. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Adelle
Posted by: Adelle Rutherford Babin St. Petersburg, FL Mar 04, 2010
Sharon, Bill and family; We send our deepest sympathy at the loss of your mother. Living in the “Magnuson” house for over 23 years was such an memorable part of our lives. We LOVED the history of the place and area and the PRIDE we all took in keeping it beautiful. Your mother was an inspiration for an active and interesting long life. I will always think of her in her 80’s dressed for church in HEELS and hose – so lovely. Fondly, Mike and Nomie
Posted by: Mike and Nomie Ketterling EATON, CO Feb 28, 2010
To Velva’s Family-We were so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. We always enjoyed visiting with her at the Garden Square when Mom(Ella Peppler) lived there. She always had a kind word and the most beautiful smile. And of course we always had to discuss the Broncos. May God Bless you all, Parry & Marla Peppler & sons Preston & Pryce
Posted by: Parry & Marla Peppler Gill, CO Feb 28, 2010
Dear Sharon, Bill & Magnuson Family, Of course it is never easy to lose a loved one, but you must be very proud of the amount of living that Velva got out of her turn here on earth. Her longevity can serve as a goal for all of us.
Posted by: Fred Sperry Longwood, FL Feb 26, 2010
Sharon, Jerry & families, you are in my thoughts. I hope the memories of you Mom will give you comfort at this time. Sincerely, Mrs. Don (Katie) Eaton
Posted by: Katie Eaton Denver, CO Feb 26, 2010
Velva was such a nice person to me at the bank and I always looked forward to her coming in. I don’t think I have ever seen a more beautiful person and always make your day a little brighter
Posted by: Jack & Bonnie Souther Eaton, CO Feb 26, 2010
It was always so much fun to go and visit with Velva when Nancy was doing a Senior well clinic? in Eaton. We had great lunches and fun visiting, what a great lady! She and Herman were the original “hot tickets” janee gay and Pat
Posted by: The Berdan’s Wellesley, MA Feb 25, 2010
We are so sorry to hear of Velva’s passing. Perry always enjoyed his visits with her when they discussed issues on the ditch while she lived in Eaton. She had an amazing life and can’t imagine all the changes she witnessed in her lifetime. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Perry and Janet Haythorn Eaton, CO Feb 25, 2010