Velma Collins

Velma Collins, age 94 of Belle Fourche, died Thursday, March 2, 2023 at the Campbell County Memorial Hospital in Gillette, WY.

The funeral service will be held 11am Saturday, March 11, 2023 at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Belle Fourche.  Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will take place at Black Hills National Cemetery.  Arrangements are with Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche.

Velma’s funeral can be viewed live or following, by clicking on the weblink below.

Velma Ione Proctor was born February 20, 1929 near Interior South Dakota.  She was the daughter of Oscar and Alta (Shirts) Proctor.  Velma grew up on a family ranch near Interior and attended a country grade school.  She graduated from Kadoka High School in 1947.  In 1948 she was united in marriage to Ralph Evans.  To this union three children were born: Glen “Oogie”, Linda, and Neva.  Following their marriage they lived near Interior and later were divorced.  In 1959, Velma was married to Tom Nelson, in Scottsbluff Nebraska.  To this union a daughter, Laura was born.  Tom and Velma lived in Scottsbluff and Casper WY and later divorced.  In 1976, Velma was married to Donnelly “Pete” Collins.  Following their marriage they lived in Belle Fourche.  Pete died in 2001.

Following her high school graduation, Velma earned her teacher’s certificate at Spearfish College and taught school at Highland Country School, one mile from her home near Interior.  Later she worked as an administrative assistant at a nursing home in Denver CO for several years.  Velma moved to Belle Fourche in 1974 where she worked at Al’s Diner.  She also owned and operated an antique and collectables retail store called “Velma’s”.  It was located near the high school.  She expanded the business to include making trophies and engraving until she retired in 1994.  She enjoyed an active part in the Belle Fourche Senior Center for many years.

Velma enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and being outside working in her yard.  She loved playing cribbage, and taught all her grandchildren how to play.  Some of her favorite memories were traveling with her daughters.  Together they were able to see St. Croix,  Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, and Las Vegas.  Velma was a wonderful mother and grandmother, and she will be greatly missed.

Velma is survived by her daughter, Laura (David) Mayo of Gillette WY; son, Glen “Oogie” Evans of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; 10 grandchildren, Krista, Luke, Ryan, Kenna, Poppy, Somar, Cole, Trint (Samantha), Bryce (Elin), Sarah (Ryan), as well as Michelle; many great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donnelly “Pete” Collins; and daughters, Linda Rose and Neva Hasbrouck. 

Celebration of Life Service

11:00 A.M. – Saturday – March 11, 2023

First Congregational United Church of Christ

Belle Fourche, South Dakota

Officiant

Rev. Chuck Aurand

Special Music

“Precious Memories”, “Hymn of Promise”

Marilyn Hespe, soloist

Lanelle Cundall, organist

Casketbearers

Brandon Hasbrouck                                      Bryce Mayo

Ryan Hasbrouck                                              Trint Mayo

Tyler Hasbrouck        Luke Rose       Ryan Schoonover

Interment

Monday – March 13, 2023

Black Hills National Cemetery

Sturgis, South Dakota