Velma Leone Sherman (Amundson)

Velma Leone (Amundson) Sherman 97, of Peculiar, MO passed away on December 17, 2017. Visitation will be from 9-10 am Friday, December 29, 2017 at Speaks Suburban Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 10am at the chapel. Burial will take place in Mound Grove Cemetery. Velma was born on July 9, 1920 on a farm in Soldier, Iowa to Elmer and Lula (Kinning) Amundson. She attended Soldier High School and graduated valedictorian. At the age of 17 she moved to Independence. She was active in music from an early age. She played piano for church from the age of 12 at the Morehead branch of the R.L.D.S. Church. Later she trained in organ music from Bethel Knoche and Fred Swann. In Independence, she served as organist for several church congregations. She was chosen as a staff organist for the Auditorium Organ in Independence where she served for four years. She continued serving as organist at the Gudgell Park congregation for many years. Music was an important part of her life. During World War II, Velma worked at Herald Publishing House while her husband served overseas. Later she became secretary to the Center Stake Bishop and then moved to the Auditorium as secretary in the Presiding Bishop office. She spent 31 years as secretary to the R.L.D.S. Bishopric before retiring in 1984. The needs of her daughter and two granddaughters and their extended families have been given a place of priority in her life. She and her husband Robert worked tirelessly to provide a stable life for their family. They helped each one to secure an education thru schooling and travel which would give them the ability to become good providers for their own families. Survivors include; daughter Ann Young; grandchildren Sherri Cobb and her husband Jim and Marcia West and her husband Taylor; great grandchildren Tatum West, Fiona West, Kristopher Cobb, and Catlyn Cobb; sisters Marjorie Sackett and Helen Inouye. There are many other relatives and friends who will remember her. Velma is preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, Robert Sherman and sisters, Effie Tucker and Veda Campbell. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Community of Christ Children’s Peace Pavilion