Velma Berrey

Our beloved mother, Velma Stevens Berrey passed away at a local care center, July 23, 2015. She was a loving bright light to everyone who came to know her. She was born the fifth of seven children to Ermen Alexander Stevens, and Ellen Hayward Stevens, August 10, 1918, in beautiful Bloomington Idaho. As a child, she always felt great love reaching out to her from her parents, brothers, and sisters. She often expressed fond memories of growing up on a farm in her quiet peaceful little town. She loved the fragrance of the lilacs in the spring as they sweetened the pure clean Bloomington air. She enjoyed the fragrance of newly cut hay in the summer. There were many times she rested in a shady spot just to watch the clouds change shapes in the lovely blue sky. She recalled the large majestic snowdrifts covering the tall fences that reminded her of freshly whipped cream.

Velma graduated from Fielding High School in Paris Idaho. On her graduation day, John Henry Berrey of Montpelier, Idaho, and his friend, attended those exercises. John took one look at Velma as she reached for her graduation diploma, and explained he wanted to date that girl. The two met at a summer dance, dated, fell in love, and were married the next year. To that union was born three children, John Brent Berrey (deceased), (Eleanor), Dawn Berrey McLaughlin (Tony), and Steven LaMarr Berrey (Mary). Velma was sealed to her husband John, and her children in the Idaho Falls Temple, December 4, 1971.

By word and example, our mother taught her children there is great joy in obtaining and sharing knowledge. After graduating from high school, she was offered a full scholarship at the Henager’s School of Business in Salt Lake City, Utah. She excelled there in all of her studies. Velma was a loving stay-at-home mother for many years. During those years she performed duties as a member of the Lincoln School PTA, eventually becoming its president. She began her life-long service in Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.

Having three teen age children, she decided to work outside the home. Her first job was salesperson in a large department store. After five years, and further education, she became a secretary in an accounting firm. Later, with more study, she advanced to a position in the data processing department of Farmer’s Insurance. Her final position was as a teacher in the Idaho State University’s E.S.L. Department. She was dearly loved and respected by all students and associates there.

Velma lovingly served her Heavenly Father in various ward and stake positions all her life. She was an outstanding teacher and leader in the Primary, Young Women, Sunday School, and Relief Society. All who associated with her loved her, respected her, and were touched by her gentle, kind spirit. As a widow in her ward, she was called to lead the others in a special Family Home Evening group that met weekly. During the last few years of her life she served faithfully as a Visiting Teacher Coordinator. Our Mother and father blessed us greatly as they served a mission in the Family History Center in Salt Lake City and as Temple Ordinance Workers in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Velma is survived by her children Dawn Berrey McLaughlin (Tony), Steven LaMarr Berrey (Mary), daughter-in-law Eleanor Berrey, 9 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends at the Alameda Stake First Ward Building, 954 East Walnut, at 10:00 AM August 3, 2015. The funeral will follow at 11:00 AM, under the direction of Cornelison Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornelisonfh.com