Velma R. Lord Brown

Velma Ruth Lord was born January 20, 1919 at the Ranger Station, near Nenzel, Nebraska. She was one of four children born to John Gordan Lord and Myrtle Edna (Johnston) Lord.

Velma graduated from Valentine High School. While attending high school she worked part time at Miller Brothers and continued working there after graduation. She also worked for Heelan Law Firm. Velma married W. Everett Brown on May 6, 1939 at the Ranger Station. This union was blessed with three children. Everett and Velma were great promoters of the cattle industry. They raised Hereford Cattle and Velma worked right along side of Everett in the family business.

Velma joined the Valentine Presbyterian Church on Easter Sunday 1934 and was a member for 78 years. She became a member of Eastern Star in 1938 and was a member for 74 years and Worthy Matron in 1951. She was very active in Nebraska Cowbelles, joining in 1951, served as president 1964-1965. She reigned as Aksarben Rodeo Queen in 1964. Nebraska Hereford Auxiliary and the American Herford Auxiliary were organizations that Velma also was a member of.

Being busy was very easy for Velma as she had many hobbies and special interests. She liked flowers and was especially proud of her roses and strawberries, she enjoyed watching birds, and she was very proud of her heritage and researched genealogy. Velma loved to travel and visiting London was the highlight of her travels. She also enjoyed playing Bridge with her card club "Birthday Gals".

Velma passed away June 13, 2012 at the Masonic Home in Plattsmouth, NE at age 93. She was preceded in death by her parents John & Myrtle Lord, her husband Everett, sister Dorothy L. Blanchard and brother Bruce G. Lord. Survivors include three children Janice A. Mefferd (Charlie) of Harlingen, TX, Gregory S. Brown (Angela) and Steven K. Brown (Sharon) both of Valentine, NE. and brother John B. Lord of Great Falls, Montana. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren; Cyndi Green, Lincoln, NE, Robert McGinley, Brunning, NE, Rodney McGinley, Hamburg, IA, Myndi Gunnink, Crookston, NE, Brook Vessell, Hutto, TX, Ashley Sandoz, Valentine, NE, Tyler Brown, Lincoln, NE, Dana Brennen, Nassau, Bahamas, Lt. Kyle Brown, Fort Hood, TX, Karla Ericksen, Aurora, NE, Jason Navrkal, Surprise, NE, Chad Mefferd, Kearney, NE, Brett Mefferd, Grand Island, NE, Shaiona Mefferd Carroll, Plattsburgh, NY and Kathy Mefferd Erwin, Yuma, CO, 29 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

A memorial service was held June 21, 2012 at the Presbyterian Church in Valentine with Pastor Tom Lucas officiating. A private family inurnment was held at Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorials are to the Masonic Home in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was entrusted with service arrangements.