Velma June Yelden

Velma June Yelden, 99, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, passed away on Monday, January 9, 2023, at the Edgewood Convalescent Home in Edgewood, Iowa. She was born on June 7, 1923, in Clymer, New York, the daughter of Sam and Lona (Hatfield) Ridenour. Velma was baptized on April 29, 1945 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Delaware. She attended Hewitt Creek Country School and was a 1941 graduate of Dundee High School.  Velma worked as a cook at Rath Packing in Waterloo before her marriage.

On October 1, 1944, Velma was united in marriage to Robert Yelden in Manchester. Four children were born to this union.  Velma and Robert farmed together. In addition to being a farm wife, she worked at the Strawberry Point Lutheran Home and the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester. Velma also mowed at Backbone Golf Course and Country Club.

Velma was a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Delaware, and after its closing, St. John Lutheran Church in Dundee. Velma will always be remembered for being the best pie maker and making beautiful quilts. She had a green thumb with all types of plants, especially Christmas cactuses. Velma enjoyed sharing her talent of baking with her family. She was also an awesome seamstress who shared her talents with family and friends.  Velma especially loved her family and spending time with them was special to her.

Survivors include her 4 children, Ronda (Keith) Cronbaugh of Casa Grande, Arizona, Lynn (Debbie) Yelden of Strawberry Point, Wayne (Nancy) Yelden of Strawberry Point, and Julie Kohl of Farley; seven grandchildren, Leighton Yelden of Strawberry Point, Brianne (Ryan) Spargrove of West Union, Amy (Derek) Sherrill of Caledonia, Minnesota, Tammy (Wes) Trantham of Springville, Missouri, Tracy (Travis) Kregel of Guttenberg, Heath (Jennie) Kohl of Jefferson City, Missouri, and Aaron Cronbaugh of Iowa City; two step grandchildren, Denise (Jason) Kwapil of Palo, and Doug Cronbaugh of Iowa City; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Mera Glew of Spring Park, Minnesota;           and  and many nieces and nephews.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Yelden in 2009; granddaughter, Ashley Yelden; and siblings, Ross Ridenour, Laura Childs, Lyle Ridenour, George Ridenour, and Dorothy Roseman, Mark Ridenour, Willard Ridenour, Sarah Brown, and Alice Nield.

The family would like thank Lincolnwood Assisted Living, Edgewood Convalescent Home, and Saint Croix Hospice for the excellent care provided to Velma.

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