Velda was born September 3rd , 1936 at the farm in Crooked River to James and Mildred McKenney.
Velda’s younger years were mostly spent at Peesane and Crooked River, where she took most of her schooling. Velda helped to take care of her brothers and sisters due to the unfortunate passing of
her mother at a very young age. At the age of fifteen she went to work for Jacob and Sophia Ruether where she met and fell in love with their son Melvyn. One year later they were married on October 20th, 1952 and began their life together on the farm.
When living on the farm, she took it upon herself to take care of anything and everyone that came to visit. She took care of numerous animals, such as cattle, chickens, turkeys, sheep, cats and dogs. Velda soon learned how to make all her meals from scratch. She would make bread, as well as churn butter, and can food. No
matter who it was that walked through the door, she would always put out food for them, making sure that no one ever left the house hungry. Velda also had a great love for music, She often played music in the evening after supper was done and everyone was relaxing. This love for music resulted in her playing for dances for years. In later years, she became interested in quilting and that soon became one of her biggest hobbies. Though the greatest thing that she enjoyed in life was having a coffee while visiting family and friends. Velda and Melvyn raised a family of six children, Val, Arlene, Starlet, Kelvin, Dwayne, and Lloyd. Sadly she passed away March 13th, 2012 peacefully with family by her side after her courageous battle with heart failure.
Velda Ruether was survived by daughters Arlene (Jack Jackson), Starlet (Ron Smith), and son’s Kelvin (Meta Fredrick) and Lloyd; 13 grandchildren; Jamie, Curtis, Lindsey, Valerie, Karen, Kyle, Kreg, Jordan, Dillon, Debbie, Laura, Jennifer, and Kirbi. Great grandchildren and many siblings. She was predeceased by her parents, James and Mildred, husband Melvyn, children, Val and Dwayne and many siblings.
Velda will always be remembered for her kind heart, and her love for family and friends.