Velma P. Filson

Velma P. Filson departed this earthly life and entered her heavenly home on March 27, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. Velma was born on July 10, 1927, to Ida Steele Palmer and John G. Palmer in Salt Lake City. Velma lived her entire childhood in Salt Lake City with her sister, Dorothy, and her three half sisters, Peggy, Edna and Merle. Following her graduation from high school, and shortly after the end of World War II, she met the love of her life, Henry Filson. They married in 1947 in Salt Lake City and relocated to Helena, Montana.

In 1951 they moved to the Double Diamond Ranch at Winston, Montana, Henry's birthplace, to help his parents operate the ranch. This was quite a change for a big city girl, but Velma made the most of it and made friends wherever she went. The ranch was sold in 1963 and Velma and Henry returned to Helena. She worked for 22 years at Mountain View School for Girls as a cottage supervisor, where she was greatly respected by the staff and residents, until she retired in 1986.

After her retirement, Velma and Henry became legendary walkers around the Helena area. No weather was too inclement for them, probably a holdover from their days on the ranch when they worked outside regardless of the weather.

It seems Velma never met a stranger. She greeted everyone she met with a big smile and great kindness. She was loving and filled with joy, a sense of adventure and an abiding compassion and consideration for others. For those who knew her, Velma was a bright shining force in the world. She loved her family with the highest regard and made the most of every day. And, as a positive role model, she encouraged others to do the same. Her motto in life was: "Frequently meditate on how good God is to you and garner up pleasant thoughts in your mind-for pleasant thoughts make pleasant lives."

She was completely devoted to Henry and, towards the end of his life, she was his steadfast caregiver and loyal companion.

Velma is survived by her three children, Bill (Carol) Bozeman, Dorothy, Belgrade, Tom (Debbie) Dallas, Oregon, grandchildren, Jenny, Portland, Oregon, Dan (Bozeman) and nephew, Joe Filson (Doreen), Helena. Survivors also include step-granddaughters, Jen (Jason) Krum, Belgrade, Lisa (Kim) Jamison, Phoenix, Arizona and step-great grandchildren, Elizabeth Krum, Colton Krum and Myles McKee. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry, her parents, her sisters and niece, Jeannie Filson, and nephews Jim Filson and Layne Holt.

Cremation has taken place. Services will be held at a later date and interment will be with Henry's grave at the V.A. Cemetery, Fort Harrison, Helena, MT. An announcement of those details will be forthcoming.