Early Wednesday morning at the Manderley Health Care Center of Osgood, June 15, 2016, Holton, Indiana lost a very prominent and loved lady, Velma Stickelman, age 86. She was born January 6, 1930 in Holton to the parents of Virgil E. and Anna Bell Grinstead Beach. On March 21, 1951, she married her beloved Samuel W. Stickelman and they were happily married for nearly 55 years before he preceded her in death on November 25, 2005.
In Velma’s early years, she first began working as a bookkeeper for Jefferson Proving Grounds from 1950 to 1952. Later she began working for Neal’s Ford Garage in Osgood as a bookkeeper and remained with them up to the 1970’s. Following this employment, from the late 1970’s through the middle 1980’s she worked for Muscatatuck State Hospital, of Madison, Indiana.
Baptized at the age of 12, she became a member of Holton Christian Church. Over the years in the church, she played the piano, was Sunday School teacher, member of the “Mother’s Class” and certainly helped willingly with many church meals! She was a member of the Ripley County Democrats , Ripley County “Red Hatter’s,” Napoleon, Indiana VFW Ladies Auxiliary and was always involved for many years helping with the Holton alumni.
Velma loved Holton! She served as the town clerk from 1986 to the early 2000’s when she finally retired. She was instrumental in developing the Community Center. One thing that she was very proud of, when she served as clerk, she personally received $5,000.00 from the state of Indiana as an award for keeping perfect records! She took this money, not for herself but paid for putting in the basketball court at the Town Park! People loved her and respected her, and if Holton would have had a mayor, she most certainly would have been selected!
SURVIVORS:
Daughter: Cynthia Stickelman Melton of Holton
Granddaughter: Rachael (Bob) Curl of Holton
Grandson: Samuel (Amy) Melton of Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Great Grandchildren: Samantha and Hayden Curl; Carter and Elizabeth Melton
She was preceded death by, one brother, Leslie Beach.
VISITATION: Friday, June 17, 2016/ 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m./ Neal’s
FUNERAL: Saturday, June 18, 2016/ 11:00 a.m./ Holton Christian Church/ Doors open at 10:00 a.m.
BURIAL: Holton Cemetery
MEMORIALS: Holton Fire Department or “Catch A Dream” Manderley Health Care Center or Holton Christian Church Youth Group.
Arrangements by: Neal’s Funeral Home
www.nealsfuneralhome.net