Velma Christina Bullock

McCammon - After a life well lived, Velma Christina Bullock, at the age of 92, slipped from this world into the next on July 30, 2009. Velma leaves behind a large posterity who will long remember and cherish the time they had with this remarkable woman. Velma was a dedicated wife and mother, a loving grandmother, and a faithful friend. As we all do, Velma faced a number of challenges in her life, but always squared her shoulders and met each one head-on with quiet faith and grace. Her family will dearly miss her, but her memory and example will live on in our hearts.

Velma was born in Portage, Utah on January 13, 1917, the second child of Charles Scott Hall and Azella McCrary. Velma spent most of her early years in the McCammon area with the exception of a brief move to Ammon, near Idaho Falls. Although Velma's parents struggled as farmers, Velma remembered her childhood with fondness, playing stick horses with her brothers Kenneth and Don and picking wild flowers with her sister Rea. Velma always loved to learn, she enjoyed school and enjoyed reading, something she would continue throughout her life.

She met and married her companion of 47 years, Charles "Tim" Freeman Bullock on November 10, 1934. It was during the height of the Great Depression. They had very little in their early marriage, but worked side-by-side to eek out a living. Tim and Velma were blessed with three children, Lamar, Diane, and Darrell. After the war, the economy improved and Tim and Velma were able to purchase a small 40-acre farm in Tyhee, Idaho, build their first home, and raise their family. The family was sealed together on July 19, 1946 in the Idaho Falls Temple.

In 1965, after their children were raised, Tim and Velma had the opportunity to purchase a ranch on the Marsh Creek near where both had lived as children. It was here that they would settle for good and where many happy family memories were shared. Although they were able to leave behind row farming, the nearly 500-acre ranch offered plenty of work as they labored side-by-side to raise cattle and sheep, put-up hay, and build fences.

In addition to farming, Velma was an excellent cook and could put together a wonderful meal, and enjoyed entertaining her children and their families. She was also a gifted seamstress and quilter, making many beautiful dresses and quilts for her children and grandchildren. Velma especially loved working in her flower and vegetable gardens and caring for a large yard. She would often receive compliments from complete strangers on the beauty of her gardens.

Velma was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served faithfully in a number of positions. Her quiet faith sustained her through a number of life's trials.

Velma will best be remembered in her role as Grandma. She loved each one of her grandchildren and they loved her.

Velma leaves behind her two children, Lamar "Bud" Bullock (Sonja) and Diane Smith Moyer both of McCammon, Idaho and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tim, son Darrell, grandson Tyson, as well as her parents, two brothers Ken and Don, and sister Rea.

The Family would like to thank all those who cared for Velma in the final season of her life. A special thanks to Renaissance Assisted Living and Hospice Alliance and their staffs.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday August 8, 2009 at 12 noon in the McCammon L.D.S. Stake Center with Bishop Peri Thomas of the Marsh Creek Ward officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday August 7, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel 510 N. 12th Ave. and on Saturday the day of the funeral from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Norton Cemetery in McCammon. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel.