Velma Wilmetta, the beloved daughter of Harvey Wade and Myrtle A1cinda (Denney) Bray, was born May 30, 1915 in Lowry City, Missouri and departed this life from Westwood Nursing Center to her heavenly home May 15, 2006, 2 weeks before her 91st birthday.

As a girl her family moved frequently, as her father worked for the railroad. They moved to Deepwater after she graduated from Lowry City High School. Shortly thereafter she met a shy, gentle, curly haired guy named R. V. Settles, who after a proper courtship, became her husband on December 31, 1936, at Rev. Olson's parsonage in Clinton. They had three children and 60 years of marriage when he passed in 1997.

She lived in Deepwater for many years, before moving to Bristol Manor after she fell and couldn't live alone. In December 1995 she transferred to Westwood Nursing Center, where she remained until she died.

She leaves to grieve her passing: Charles Richard of Shell Knob, Joan Sue Groff, Janet Lou Vogel and Sadie Settles (her daughterin-love), nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, as well as many friends, former students from Sunday School, Bible Schools, piano lessons. Her life also touched many others as she played the piano for weddings, funerals, school musicals and church events. Her legacy lives on through all those who knew her.

Velma is now in Heaven, visiting with R. V. and her parents. Listen closely and you may hear heavenly music as she accompanies the choir up there.

Funeral Services were held Thursday, May 18, 2006 at the Vansant-Mills Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Brack and Dr. Randy Shipman officiating. Burial was in the Deepwater Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Association.