Velma Schumm

Velma Louise Schumm, 101, beloved sister, aunt, neighbor, and friend, was taken into heavenly glory on February 6, 2016, at The Laurels of Shane Hill near Rockford, Ohio. While on this earth, she labored faithfully and in love, for her Lord and family. Velma was born on June 18, 1914, near Rockford, Ohio, to the late Phillip F. M. Schumm and Leona B. (Schumm) Schumm, and grew up there on the family farm. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Schumm, Ohio. Velma was a loving, care-giving, and gifted individual. She remained on the family farm throughout her life where she did all sorts of farm chores, tended garden, and helped to maintain a loving home. She also held several jobs in Rockford over the years, including working as an administrative assistant and bookkeeper at the Rockford Hardware and later at the J. Dolan Purdy Insurance Agency/ Henkle Insurance Agency. Early in her life, Velma demonstrated exceptional musical talent and soon thereafter became the church organist at Zion Lutheran Church, a position which she held for over 60 years. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Marie M. Fuelling and Anna K. Bischoff, and is survived by her sister, Emma S.B. Boerger of Decatur, Indiana, eight nephews and nieces, and numerous grand- and great-grand nephews and nieces. She was much loved and will be missed by those who survive her. Funeral services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 17434 Schumm Road, Willshire, Ohio, at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, February 11, 2016, with Pastor Jeffery Patterson officiating. Interment will be at the cemetery at Zion Lutheran Church immediately following the funeral service. Friends may call at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford, Ohio, on Wednesday, from 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. and at the church on Thursday, one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be directed to the church or to the Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.