Velma Miller Chaney

Share your Memorial with Family & Friends Velma Miller Chaney age 93, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, in Satellite Beach, Florida. Born on September 8, 1931, in Denver, Colorado, she lived a long and vibrant life filled with creativity, devotion, and love.Velma grew up in a close-knit German community in Denver alongside her seven siblings. From an early age, she embraced an active lifestyle-playing softball, ice skating, and even working as a blue jean model in her youth. In 1951, she married Dawson Lee Chaney Sr., and together they built a loving home and raised four children: Cheryl, Lee, Alan, and Cindy.A lifelong Lutheran, Velma was deeply committed to her faith. She was an active member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Indian Harbor Beach, where she served faithfully on the Altar Guild and participated in Bible studies. Her spiritual life was a cornerstone of her identity and brought her great joy throughout the years.Velma's artistic talents were both vast and remarkable. She was an accomplished artist who worked with oils, pastels, watercolors, acrylics, charcoal, and clay. Her creativity extended beyond the canvas-she was also a skilled quilter and crafter who lovingly sewed dolls and teddy bears. Her hands were rarely still; through her art and crafts she expressed warmth and imagination that touched many lives.In addition to her artistic pursuits, Velma had a deep love for reading-especially historical fiction and the Bible-and remained intellectually curious throughout her life. She stayed physically active well into her later years by walking daily, participating in aerobics classes, and playing golf.Velma's sense of humor was one of her most endearing qualities. She loved to laugh-and those around her couldn't help but join in when they heard her unique and contagious laugh. Her kindness radiated outward to everyone she met; she made friends easily wherever she went and maintained lasting connections throughout her life.She is lovingly remembered by her children Cheryl Chaney Massey (Michael Massey), Alan Chaney, and Cindy Chaney Harding; grandchildren Robert Harding and Juliana Harding; and great-grandchildren Evelyn Harding and Sebastian Aguilar.Velma was preceded in death by her beloved husband Dawson Lee Chaney Sr.; son Dawson Lee Chaney Jr.; parents John and Anna Miller; and siblings Florence Zagar, John Miller, Elizabeth Wagner, Lillian Ross, Eddie Miller, Elaine Malhman, Robert Miller, and Glenn Miller.A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Ascension Lutheran Church located at 1053 Pine Tree Dr., Indian Harbor Beach, Florida 32937. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Velma's name to the memorial fund of Ascension Lutheran Church,Velma Marie Chaney leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, faithfulness, and creativity. She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her memory bring comfort to those who mourn her passing.