VELMA J. READ

August 13, 1933 - July 29, 2021

Velma J. Read, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed into eternal rest on July 29, 2021, after a long decline. Born in the Great Depression on August 16, 1933, in Sistersville, West Virginia to Homer and Olive Richeson Judge, Velma was the eldest daughter of nine children. After moving to Ohio as a child, she graduated from Hiram High School in l951, marrying Wayne D. Read on September 30 that year. Two children, Cynthia and David were born in 1952 and 1954. Velma graduated from Bohecker's Business College in Ravenna and became a faculty secretary at Hiram College in 1962, from where she retired after 30 years. Velma enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, bus trips, shopping and spending time with family and friends. She was a beloved and trusted mentor to many and could always be counted on for her love, loyalty, generosity, and sound advice. Widowed in 1993, Velma volunteered as a receptionist at Robinson Memorial Hospital for ten years. She enjoyed watching her four grandchildren grow up and begin families, resulting in 11 great-grandchildren. Survivors include a daughter Cindy (David) Vincent, granddaughter Bethany (Gabriel) Martineau, grandsons, Paul (Kateri) and Adam (Cara) Vincent, 11 great-grandchildren, siblings Carl Judge, Dolly Miller and Helen Lawless, and many nieces and nephews. Velma was preceded in death by her husband Wayne Read, son David Read, grandson Daniel Vincent, siblings Norman Judge, Pat Bosma, Doris Leigh, Beverly Judge, and Sandy Carroll, and loving friend and companion Robert Simpson. The family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of The Landing of Stow where Velma had resided since 2016, and to Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care for their loving care and kindness during her decline. A Celebration of Life for Velma Read will be held at Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, OH 44231 on Saturday, August 28, 2021, where the family will receive friends from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM. A prayer service will follow at 5:00 PM . Inurnment will be held on a later date at Park Cemetery in Garrettsville.