Velma Lou Austin, 90, of Varna, IL, passed away at 9:00 pm on Sunday, September 4, 2022 at Alomere Hospital Center in Alexandria, Minnesota. Velma was spending precious time with her daughter and son-in-law at their cabin in Osakis, Minnesota for the summer.
She was born on October 6, 1931, in Putnam County, IL, the second daughter of Edward McKinley Foster and Gladys Laura Turpin. She began her education in a one room school house in rural McNabb known as the Strawn School, later attending John Swaney Grade School and graduating from Hopkins School in Granville, Illinois.
Velma married Clark J. Austin on May 14, 1954. They lived in Varna their entire married life until his passing on January 10, 2018. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her beloved sister Rosemary Deininger on February 22, 2022, and her dear niece Diana Deininger Crumley.
She is survived by daughter, Rhonda (Jerry) Neuhalfen of Henry, IL; one step-son, James (Nancy) Austin of Kansas; three granddaughters, Heather (Scott) Toon, Lindsay Neuhalfen, both of Washington, IL, and Julie (Tim) Davis of Minnesota; one grandson, Jeff Austin; five great-grandsons, Jackson, Jase, and Hayden Toon and Austin and Mason Davis; nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.
She was employed by Varna Auto Services, Varna Lumberyard, Kenneth Holmstrom Trucking, Century 21 Vitamin Company, Varna Post Office, and Varna Farmers Co-op. Velma was an avid bowler, going to Nationals in Kansas City and Peterson Classic in Chicago. She also played golf for many years, belonging to the Lacon Country Club and Edgewood Golf Park in McNabb, IL. Other activities that Velma enjoyed over the years included horseback riding and Casino adventures with her sister Rosemary, daughter Rhonda, and niece Kristal Bachman.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, October 21, 2022 at Salem Lutheran Cemetery #2 (by Lake Wildwood) in Varna, IL with Pastor Cathy Duffy officiating. A gathering for all friends and family will be held immediately following the service at Varna Village Community Center in Varna. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to The A.R.K. (animal shelter), 477 IL-26, Lacon, IL 61540 or to MSW Projects (a senior citizen nutrition facility), 1013 Western Avenue, Henry, IL 61537. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.
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