Velma J. (Fuller) DeMass, 91, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2022, at Miller's Merry Manor in La Porte, Indiana.
Velma was born April 10, 1931, to James and Flossie (Pratt) Fuller at home in Chesterton, Indiana. She graduated from Chesterton High School in 1949 and married Herbert L. DeMass on Nov. 11, 1949, who preceded her in death.
Velma was also preceded in death by her son, Jeffery A. DeMass; brothers, Charles, Robert and Allen Fuller; and sisters, Margaret Fuller, Mary Norton and Martha Billerbeck.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Gayle DeMass; grandchildren, Koreen (Matthew) Garrett, Kaitlin (Jason) Tuholski and Jeffery (Amanda) DeMass; and great-grandchildren, Wade and Gavin Garrett, Averee and Alayna Tuholski, and William DeMass.
She was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend.
Velma was an avid lover of all things nature and gardening, hunting and fishing with her father as a child, cooking, sewing, painting, crocheting, reading and spending time with her nieces, friends and family.
She loved every one of her pets (of all species) and could often be found watching "Gunsmoke," "The Waltons," "Downton Abbey" and "Oak Island."
A celebration of life will be held on May 1, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a memorial at 12:45 p.m., at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Ave., La Porte, Indiana. A luncheon will be held immediately following at the VFW at 181 W. McClung Rd., La Porte, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of the following organizations that were close to Velma's heart: Tunnels for Towers, Shriners Hospital and Dunes Hospice.
To light a virtual candle, share a story of Velma's life or leave a message of comfort for her family, please visit www. EsslingFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Dave & Jane Kearney
May 17, 2022
Dan and Gayle and Family,
We send you our heart-felt sympathies for the passing of Velma, your loving mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. We know she was very proud and loving of her family, as you surely were of her. Please take care of yourselves. We are thinking of you.
With our love,
Dave & Jane Kearney
Richmond, Virginia
davekearney [email protected]
(804) 282-8033
Jena
April 30, 2022
Dan and Gayle -
Your mom was such a light in my life and I am going to miss her dearly. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to know and care for her. Sending lots of love and prayers your way.
Randy McGriff
April 28, 2022
Sending our condolences. Thoughts and prayers to all.
John Deaner
April 27, 2022
Hope you are handling this well Gayle.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
May
1

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more