Velma Delores Cathey

Velma Delores Cathey, 73, of Laurel, passed away on the snowy morning of April 11, 2007 after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer.

Velma was born on March 15, 1934 in Rapid City, SD to Otto and Delma (Johnson) Smith. The youngest of five children, she lived her earliest years on Ranch Creek, near Biddle. Her father later became employed with Powder River County and the family moved to Broadus in 1943 where she completed high school at Powder River High and was a Girl's State Delegate from her class of 1952. Velma married Allen Cathey July 25, 1953 and to this union five children were born, Cynthia, Greg, Lori, Todd and Darcy.

The family moved to Portland, Oregon in 1972 where Velma worked for Washington County Traffic Safety, City National Bank, Nike and Aero Air. During those years she was active in Daughters of Norway and enjoyed needlework, ceramics, gardening and painting. She was an accomplished artist, specializing in landscape oils. During her years in Oregon, Velma made many lasting friendships that she cherished and maintained throughout the rest of her life. She was an active United Way Volunteer and received Gold Awards for her achievements in fund-raising. She loved animals and had many pets during her lifetime, often providing a home to "just one more".

In 1997, she began a new chapter of her life and moved to Laurel, Montana. She worked for Comfort Inn as a Concierge. Again, Velma made many lasting friendships and continued to work until illness forced retirement in May 2005. During these years she made yearly trips back to Oregon to visit her family and especially enjoyed being with her Grandchildren. She was the center of her family and was deeply loved and admired. A tiny woman with a huge heart, her life spoke volumes about determination, honor and integrity. These qualities carried her through her battle with cancer. She especially appreciated her "Knight in Shining Armor", Dr. Thomas Purcell and all the angels at Deaconess Oncology and Big Sky Hospice.

Survivors include her sister, Vera Rosencranz of Broadus; children Cynthia (William) Rock of Portland, Oregon; Gregory (Angela) Cathey of Junction City, Oregon; Lori (Pete) Walker of Hillsboro, Oregon; Todd Cathey of Laurel; Darcy (Brian) Smith of Hillsboro, Oregon; former husband, Allen Cathey; eleven grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Edward, Violet, Richard and grandson, Jordan.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM Monday April 16, at the Calvary Baptist Church, 820 W. 9 in Laurel, Montana. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 PM Wednesday April 18, in Broadus, Montana at the Powder River Congregational Church with internment to follow at Valley View Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Humane Society or the American Cancer Society.

Remington Letcher Memorial Funeral Services has been entrusted with all arrangements. A on-line guest registry made be signed at www.remingtonletcherfuneralservices.com

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