Velma Olivier

1916 - 2010

Velma Chamberlin Ball Olivier, 94 of Santa Paula, passed away Friday, Oct. 22, 2010 in Santa Paula following an extended illness. She was born May 29, 1916 in Santa Paula, and was a lifelong resident.

The younger daughter of Frank Ely and Orva Chamberlin, Velma was born on the old Clayberg Ranch. She attended school at McKevett School, Isbell School and Santa Paula Union High School. She was very active in school organizations, including the debate team, and took second place in the Tri-County competition in Santa Barbara. In 1930 Velma joined the Santa Paula Christian Church, which has been a lifelong commitment. She met and married Clifford Ball in 1934, who also was a church member, until his death in 1955. While working with the youth group she met and fell in love with Donald Olivier, and they were married in 1961.

Following graduation Velma was employed by the Ralph Steuard Plymouth/Dodge Agency as office manager. The agency later became Plano & Love Plymouth/Dodge. In 1939 she went to work at the Santa Paula Savings and Loan Association. This was the beginning of a 41-year career which took her from the bottom to the position of corporate secretary. During World War II Velma served her country for over 1500 hours as a nurse's aide.

She was a member of the Soroptimist Club, Business and Professional Women's Club, serving as president of the local chapter and director of public relations at the State level. She was instrumental in the formation of the Ventura County Escrow Association, and was organizing secretary for the Santa Paula Union High School Alumni Association. In 1997 she and her husband, Don, were instrumental in the formation of the Santa Clara Valley Bank.

Velma looked at her life as one large experience from the St. Francis Dam disaster, to traveling in most of the world, with special time at their mountain cabin in Frazier Mountain Park and their condo in Maui.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 29 at the Santa Paula First Christian Church. A luncheon will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her honor may be made to the First Christian Church Restoration Fund. Velma has been entrusted to the care of the Family Owned Joseph Reardon Funeral Home; 643-8623.