Velma Welch Ring, 90, of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa died Feb. 10, 2021.
She was born Aug. 13, 1930 in Fremont, Iowa to Ray and Marjorie Irene Harkins Welch.
Velma received her B.A. degree from Iowa Wesleyan College. She started teaching at age 17 in a one room country school. Her career included teaching in Iowa grade schools and high schools in Fremont, Danville, Burlington, Wilton and West Branch, retiring in 1995. After retirement, she substitute taught and conducted Bible studies in various nursing homes and assisted living centers. She received her lay ministry license through the Nazarene Church in Iowa City, which gave her the ability to serve communion.
Surviving are two daughters, Sandra (Ken) Oberman of Seargeant Bluff, and Sherry Rae Bell of Waldorf, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Amanda M. Oberman, Sunni (Chad) Neegaard and Mindy (Marcus) McDonough; four great-grandchildren, Elsie and Peyton Neegaard and Sierra and A.J. Allen; a nephew, Bruce Welch and a niece, Becky Mills.
She was preceded in death by an infant son, Ricky Ray Mallams, and a brother, Donald Welch.
Funeral services were Feb. 13 at Reece Funeral Home of Ottumwa with Rev. Teresa Stecker from the Greater Iowa City Church of the Nazarene officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to June E. Nylen Cancer Center, 230 Nebraska St., Sioux City, IA 51101.
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