She was born October 19, 1937 in L1terberry; the daughter of Joseph Harold and Vera Ellen Freeman Petefish. She married Nicholas Lee Velten on April 24, 1955 in Quincy and he preceded her in death on May 31, 1986.

She is survived by eight children, Renee Hardwick (companion, David Harris) of Springfield, Sherrie Kesterson (husband, Richard) of Virginia, Julie Blaise (husband, Robert) of Springfield, Nick Velten (wife, Chris) of Girard, Rick Velten (wife, Deborah) of Gainesville, GA, Marisa Gerdes (husband, Gary) of Petersburg, Tony Velten (wife, Chrsity) of Virginia, and Cathy Lucht of Petersburg; 20 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two grandchildren, April Young and Rich Kesterson; and a brother, Harold Lavon Petefish.

Mrs. Velten was a 1955 graduate of Virginia High School. She worked at Rossi's Restaurant and Dr. Jack Hollada Chiropractic Office prior to owning and operating, with her husband, Velten's Shoe and Clothing Store and Shoe Repair Shop in Virginia. She was a member of St. Luke's Catholic Church in Virginia. She enjoyed reading, playing solitaire, and spending time with her family.

Funeral services will be held 1:30 pm Saturday at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. The family will meet friends from 12:30 pm Saturday until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in memory of April Young and Rich Kesterson, American Diabetes Association, or American Heart Association. Condolences may be sent online at www.buchanancody.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State Journal-Register on Apr. 12, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Donna Velten

27 Entries

Janet Beasley

July 16, 2013

Dear Sherry and Family, Was so sorry to hear about Aunt Donna. Really wish we could have stayed in closer contact over these past years. I loved her and remember the last visit Mom and I had with her in Feb. of 2006. Its so hard living so far away from everyone. I drove to Arkansas and put flowers on Dads gravesite for Fathers Day. Since 2009 I have lost Dad, My first Husband, and then Mom on Jan. 14th of this year. I have remarried and live back in MS now. I send my Love and Prayers to all of you...

Nancy Sapp

April 19, 2013

Dear Sherry & all of Velten Family -
We are sending our thoughts & prayers to all of you.
Nancy, Rich, Ben, Sara, Toby, & Keaton Sapp

Bobby & Jana Clark

April 16, 2013

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Karen Swindler

April 16, 2013

Donna was a very special family friend and a mom to all. Love and prayers go out to all the kids and gradkids..Donna and Nicky are joined again.
Dick,Betty,Paula,Karen,Rod,Angela,Pat Pugh

RHONDA FICKAS

April 15, 2013

Sorry to hear of your mothers passing. She will always be with you! Take care.

Marilyn M c L I n

April 14, 2013

Wishing you p e a c e a n d precious memories of your mother. I have many memories babysitting on Saturdays at your house. Lots of fun!

Bob and Patty Engel

April 13, 2013

Marisa and family--
We are so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Feel comfort that she is now in a much better place, and she looks forward to seeing you again.
Our prayers are with you.

Brian & Barb Frank

April 13, 2013

Nick & Chris, May God bless you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tom Fair

April 13, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Brenda & Jim Frick

April 12, 2013

God Bless each and everyone of you at this time! May you find comfort in her memory!

April 12, 2013

To each of Donna's precious children: We send our deepest & heartfelt condolences to you at this time of loss. Donna was always special and always the same to everyone. We know you will miss her greatly and pray that all your special memories will now bring you great comfort and in the days ahead also. God bless you each. Sincerely, David & Deanna Anderson

American Heart Association

April 12, 2013

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Tom Damotte

April 12, 2013

She was a very special lady and always had a smile for everbody. She was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Keri Lyons

April 12, 2013

So many memories at Grandma Donna's house with all the family...always made me feel welcome and part of the family...charish the memories and take comfort she is up there with Rich, April, Evis and the rest of the gang having a good ol time!

Wayne & Barb Barber

April 12, 2013

Rich, Sherrie, and Velten family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Always loved visiting with her when we were at Rich & Sherrie's. We hope the wonderful memories comfort you through this difficult time.

Karen Olive

April 12, 2013

Renee, praying for you during this difficult time.

Kenna Jenkins

April 12, 2013

my thoughts and prayers goes out to Donna's family.. She was a sweet lady and would do anything to help someone out. R.I.P Donna miss and love ya

Bert Merriman

April 11, 2013

Sorry for your loss. She was a very nice lady and will be missed by many.

Margaret Mondon-Davis

April 11, 2013

I have fond memories of Donna as a fellow classmate. May she rest in peace and may her family know she was a kind and wonderful person who will be sadly missed by many.

American Heart Association

April 11, 2013

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Mia Lowe

April 11, 2013

My thoughts and prayers go to all of you in this time of loss. She was a wonderful lady & I have many memories of younger years at the house & seeing her sitting in the kitchen. God speed to all of you.

Angela Stucker

April 11, 2013

All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. She was a very kind and loving person and she will be missed by many.

Carol Rooker Courtney

April 11, 2013

Renee, Sherry, Julie, I have many fond memories of playing at your house. Your mother always welcomed me and made me feel at home. I'm sorry for your loss.

Mary Hagloch McKennedy

April 11, 2013

Your Mom was a Lovely Lady and I will always remember her in my heart and prayers! God Bless You ALL!

Lisa Horney

April 11, 2013

So sorry for your dear loss, your family is in my thoughts and prayers!!!
Mike, Lisa Horney and family

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