Della Velarde

Our beloved and beautiful mother, Della (Martinez) Velarde passed away peacefully
April 26, 2024, at the age of 96. Della was born in the mining town of Del Carbon,
Colorado - one of six children of Maria Martha (Archuleta) and Juan Andres Martinez.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, Frank Arthur Velarde.
Her brothers Juan Silvano, Frank Esias, Antonio Gilberto and sisters Helen Mary
Hurtado and Rachel Linda Cordova all predeceased her.
Her friends and family agree that she was one of the most decent and sweet people
they ever knew. She had an easy smile for anyone and everyone. She brought her
beautiful attitude and joyful demeanor to everything she did. Whether it was helping her
husband and children around the ranch or participating in one of her many social
activities or creating through her hobbies – her smile and grace were evident.
She was a prodigious crafter (macrame, stained glass, crochet) and an excellent
seamstress. She participated in many club activities in the Pueblo and Huerfano County
areas, including volunteering at The Walsenburg Mining Museum, and serving on the
Cowbelles and Family Community and Education boards. She was a passionate
participant in Democratic politics in Pueblo, from being a precinct chair to being chosen
as a delegate to local conventions. She was an election judge in Pueblo for many years
as well. In addition to her clubs and crafting, she enjoyed her bowling leagues and
Bunco parties. She was also a talented gardener and could grow anything from roses
and peonies to orchids.
Regardless of how tired she may have been, she was always able to pull a meal
together for friends, family, and the many visitors to the ranch. She was best known for
her green chile and tortillas plus her amazing baking skills. She was always ready,
willing and able to donate casseroles or whatever was needed to church events. She
was as devoted to God and the church as she was to her family.
Her great delights in life were being around her grandbabies and great grandbabies and
walking the fields and hills at the ranch as she had done since her youth with her
younger sister Rachel. Della is survived by her five children Deb Velarde, Dana Velarde-
Agee, Bill (Brenda) Velarde, Jim (Dena) Velarde and Gerald (Amy) Velarde, thirteen
grandchildren and ten great grandchildren and innumerable nieces, nephews and
cousins.
We are certain when her time came, the Lord said to Della, "Well done my good and
faithful servant. Come and share my joy."
Services for Della Velarde are as follows:
-Rosary Thursday May 9, 2024 at 6 PM
-Funeral Eulogy and Mass Friday May 10, 2024 at 9:45 AM
-Burial at Gardner Catholic Cemetery after the funeral Mass
-Reception following burial at Delaney Hall
Rosary, Funeral Eulogy/Mass and Reception at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 121 E 7 th St,
Walsenburg, CO 81089