Velva RAAEN

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RAAEN: Velva Elizabeth Raaen (nee Wilcox). It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Velva Raaen peacefully on May 19, 2018 at the Country Meadows Personal Care Home, Neepawa at the age of 98 years. Her feisty personality was evident until her last day. She is survived by her daughter Shirley and Shirley's family of Shane Thom, (Lynn) and his children McKenna, Anisten and Dawson; Sandi (Devin) Jarvis and their daughters Brynn and Sienna; her daughter Sherri (Roger); her son Larry (Carrol) and his children Joan and her son Arden along with his son Blaine; her daughter Karen (Tom) Wilson; their daughters Andrea and her children Baillie and Emmett; Nikki (James) and his boys Colin and Jacob. Velva is survived by her brother Gylie (Barb) and their family; sisters in law Kay Wilcox and Kathleen Radabaugh and her daughter Kimberly (Dave). She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by husband Andy in 2009 and her son in law Gordon Thom in 1984 and also by her parents Agnus and Herb Wilcox; sisters Helen (Earl) Jamieson, Mae (Roy) Zilkie; brothers Wesley, Lyle, Allen (Thelma); in-laws Birgit and Anders Raaen, Trygve (Dolly), Anne (Fred) McPhedran, Chet Radabaugh and Ernie Croft. Velva was born December 22, 1919 in her Grandmother’s home in Gull Lake, SK. She grew up in the Consul Area with her six brothers and sisters. Velva met Andy at a dance and in 1940 they moved to Manitoba where they married August 5th. After living in Austin for 4 years they bought their farm on the Arden Ridge. They lived there for 44 years. The next move was to the yellow house on 4th Avenue in Neepawa. After Andy’s passing Velva moved to Kinsmen Kourts and in 2013 into Country Meadows. Velva was a hard working farm wife and Mom. Once the children were out of the house she worked at East View Lodge from 1971-1981. Quilting with the ladies in Arden and Neepawa was a fun time where many questionable jokes and stories were told. A seamstress all her life she also did knitting and loved to read. Many a little girl had doll clothes made by Velva. The funeral service was held on Monday, May 28, 2018 in the Neepawa United Church at 11:00 am. Following the lunch, burial was in Austin Cemetery where she joined Andy and his parents in rest. Pallbearers were Woody Mutrie, Chuck Terin, Devin Jarvis, Shane Thom, Blaine Raaen, Dawson Thom and Arden Raaen. The family would like to thank Rev. Kristin Woodburke, White’s Funeral Home, the UCW and the Staff of Country Meadows. Donations may be made to Country Meadows, Box 1240, Neepawa, MB. R0J 1H0.White’s Funeral Home Neepawa, MB in care of arrangements. www.whitesfh.ca

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 02, 2018