Velma J. Wheaton

Velma J. Wheaton, 77, of Independence, MO passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2005. A memorial service will be 7 pm Friday, July 22nd at the Church of Christ (Temple Lot). Interment in Mt. Washington Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) Missionary Fund, PO Box 472, Independence, MO 64051. Velma was born December 31, 1927 in Mesa AZ, the middle daughter of Oren and Esther Caviness. She was an avid lover of horses, the great outdoors, and all of nature where she hiked, fished, hunted and camped with her husband. She graduated from Phoenix Union High School and attended the University of Phoenix, AZ. Velma worked as a telephone operator, Forest Service in Washington state, Secretary of General Church of Christ, and retired from American Gilsonite in Utah. Her most beloved job was wife and mother and missionary work with her husband to American Indians. Velma was preceded in death by her parents; a granddaughter, Nicole Housknecht; and is survived by her spouse of 52 years, Richard Alden Wheaton, Sr; daughters, Karma Augustine, Konie Stillians, Vanna Jo "Jody� Housknecht, Patricia Todd, and Nanette Smith all of Independence, MO; sons, Brad Wheaton, and Richard Wheaton, Jr; sisters, Lorraine Patterson, and Sharon Kelley; 14 grandchildren; 6 1/2 great grandchildren.