Velma Williams Skidmore, 94, passed away on December 8, 2023 in Manhattan, Kansas. Velma and her husband Edward Lyman Skidmore moved to Manhattan 60 years ago in 1963 when Ed accepted a position as a research scientist with USDA in cooperation with Kansas State University.
Velma was born in Tucson, Arizona, on September 14, 1929. She attended college at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah, where she met Ed. During college Velma enjoyed being a cheerleader and participating in competitive tennis and badminton. Velma earned a B.S. degree in Elementary Education before beginning several years as a classroom teacher. Velma and Ed were married on August 28, 1953 in the Manti Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Manti, Utah.
Velma and Ed are the parents of six children. Alan and Andy were born in Utah. Cary and Jim were born in Oklahoma when Ed attended graduate school. Tom and Joanne were born in Manhattan. Family and family history have always been a priority for Velma. She took great joy in the activities and accomplishments of all her children. She was highly motivated to search for details about her ancestors, taking pride in what she considered to be her noble heritage. She enjoyed telling amazing stories to her young children about her own parents and other ancestors.
Velma had a zest and enthusiasm for life that was contagious. She was adventuresome and brave. For example, she once encouraged a teenage granddaughter to crawl to the edge of a mountain cliff with her, so they could look over the edge together.
She was always eager and ever curious, instilling in her children and grandchildren a spirit of adventure and accomplishment. She liked to travel and with Ed visited many countries and all six populated continents.
Velma was always loving and caring and was a person of deep faith. She was active throughout her life in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she often served in meaningful responsibilities locally. She expressed love for the Savior Jesus Christ and said that “faith is not by chance, but by choice.” She truly believed that “through the grace of Jesus Christ, we will one day be allowed to stand with those we love, in the presence of our loving Heavenly Father.”
She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Ed Skidmore and their children, Alan Skidmore (Jeanne) of Texas, Andy Skidmore (Paula) of Indiana, Cary Skidmore (Wendy) of Indiana, Jim Skidmore (Nanci) of Illinois, Tom Skidmore (Kathy) of Kansas, and Joanne Skidmore of Virginia. She is also survived by her sister Josie Williams Rowley of Utah, 21 grandchildren, and 39 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Velma will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2812 Marlatt Avenue, Manhattan, KS, 66502. Public viewing will begin at 10:00am with the funeral service beginning at 11:00am.