Velma Rodman

Velma Doris (Thomas) Rodman was born April 20, 1927, to Earl and Neva (Nickerson) Thomas in Dunlap, Iowa. She was raised on a farm east of town and graduated from Dunlap High School. Velma worked as a secretary until she married Daniel Shumate in 1946. The couple was blessed with three daughters. When her oldest daughter was in high school, Velma went to work on a milk route. Velma married Ray Rodman in 1963. She worked at Spot IGA and at the Dubuque Meat Packing Plant in Denison retiring from this plant.

Velma was a member of the Dunlap United Methodist Church. For several years Velma bowled on a league. She enjoyed gardening and was known for her beautiful hybrid iris as well as many other flowers. Velma was an excellent cookie and candy maker as well as sweet breads. At Christmastime friends and family were treated with Velma's homemade goodies.

Velma died Thursday, September 1, 2011 at the Israel House in Ames, Iowa at the age of 84 years, four months, and 12 days.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Russell Thomas; sister, Luella Phillips; son-in-law, Kevin McKinley; and grandson Mark McCurdy. She is survived by her three daughters, Charlotte (Joe) McCurdy of Oskaloosa, Iowa, Marty (Steve) Hooten of West Des Moines, Iowa, Deb (Ben) Benefield of Roland, Iowa; eight grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Suzuko Thomas of Dunlap, Iowa; nephew, Roger Hein of Woodbine, Iowa; and many other relatives and friends.