Velma J. Millard
1920-2014


St. Joseph, Missouri- Velma June (Ehlers) Millard, 93, St. Joseph, passed in her sleep on March 8, 2014.
Velma was born June 23, 1920 at the family farm near Osborn, Missouri to Fred and Adie (Powell) Ehlers.
Velma was a 1936 graduate of Osborn High School. She played the school song by ear at the alumni banquet for many years, and in 2009 transcribed the song to sheet music. As a young woman she demonstrated her talent as a pianist accompanying silent movies at the Osborn Opry House.
In 1940 she married Albert Millard. They spent their lives together on the family farm near Osborn. Albert preceded her in death in 1994.
Velma served as a news reporter for the two local newspapers and KMRN radio, Cameron. She volunteered at the DeKalb County Historical Society and was the long time bookkeeper for Osborn Evergreen Cemetery.
Velma was a lifetime member of the Community of Christ Church; she served in women’s ministry, as a pianist and organist, and was ordained as an elder in 1990.
Community activities included the Frost-Oberg Extension Club, Colfax Township Republican Committee, and the Missouri Farm Bureau State Women’s Committee. Velma is fondly remembered in the community for her cooking.
Survived by: 2 sons, Gene (Sharon) Millard, St. Joseph, Ron (Caryn) Millard, Stilwell, KS; 12 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
Services: 2:30 PM, Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at the Community of Christ, Cameron. Visitation: 1:30-2:30 PM, prior to the service. Burial: Osborn Evergreen Cemetery, Osborn. Memorial fund: DeKalb County Historical Society and/or Osborn High School Alumni Scholarship Fund.
Arrangements: Poland-Thompson Funeral Home, Cameron. Online condolences: www.polandthompson.com.