Velma Ida Ortman 99, of Millhousen passed away peacefully on June 2 from natural causes. She was born on Sept. 13, 1920 the daughter of William H. and Ottilia (Pfeifer) Picker in Decatur County.
Velma went to school in Millhousen and then was certified as a beautician. She worked in Cincinnati during the war effort.
She was married to Arthur B. Ortman on November 22, 1945 and spent the rest of her married life hand milking cows, raising chickens, tending to a large garden, and making great meals. She also gave perms to the local housewives for a dollar and would give them cookies or a piece of pie when done. She always had cookies in the freezer and candy in the pantry for the kids and never hesitated to keep the great grandchildren when needed. She enjoyed playing Euchre with family members and filled many Wednesdays playing Euchre at Millhousen in recent years.
Velma was preceded in death by her parents, husband Arthur, Daughter Nancy Huff, sisters Ethel Kohlman, Bernice Hahn, Eula Cook, Betty Keillor, brothers, William “Bill”, Harold, Arthur, Edwin, Lester (died in WWII), and a baby sister in infancy.
Survivors include her sons, Danny, Michael, and James, one sister Mary Ellen Ploughe, 10 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.
A graveside visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 8, 2020 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery in Millhousen. Graveside Services will follow at 11:00 with Sr. Donna Prickel officiating.
Memorials may be made to the Immaculate Conception Cemetery for the upkeep of the Lester Picker Memorial located in the baby circle or to the Millhousen CCD.
Online condolences can be made to the family at www.popfuneralhome.com