Velma Jean Witte, 89, of Aurora, Indiana passed away Monday, July 27 , 2020 in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
She was born March 27, 1931 in Aurora, Indiana to Orris and Tillie (Cofield) Witte and was confirmed at Evangelical and Reformed Church, which later became First Evangelical United Church of Christ. She graduated from the old Northside School in Aurora and was a graduate of Aurora High School. She received a Batchelor of Arts degree from Franklin College, Franklin, Indiana and a Masters degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana. Her teaching career included the following schools: Mississinewa High School, Gas City, Indiana, Hibberd Junior High School, Richmond, Indiana, Talawanda High School, Oxford, Ohio and Oak Hills School District, Cincinnati, Ohio. Subjects taught were history, health and physical education.
Velma Jean was a member of Hillforest Historical Foundation serving as membership secretary and docent. She also served as docent at Veraestau. Other affiliations include the Dearborn County Historical Society, Aurora Research Club and Retired Teachers Association of Ohio. Velma Jean volunteered to help teach swimming for the blind women from Clovernook Home and School for the Blind at the YMCA in Cincinnati, Ohio. She also helped when they went on picnics and boat trips. Velma Jean was nominated as a Dearborn County Community Foundation Heart of Gold recipient for her volunteer work in Dearborn County. She was also pictured as a “Star of the Arts” in the Cincinnati Enquirer Tempo section for her volunteer work at Hillforest. She was recognized as their #1 ambassador and recruiter. Jean was instrumental in having the former First Evangelical United Church of Christ being put on the National Registry of Historic Places (which is under the Department of the Interior) in 1994. She has currently been working towards having the church become the City of Spires Historical Museum and Foundation.
Velma Jean traveled the world enjoying five continents and most of the 50 states of the United States.
Jean was survived by her long time caregiver, Diana Brothers, many cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Herbert Dale Witte.
Friends will be received Monday, August 3, 2020 from Noon – 2:00 pm at Rullman Hunger Funeral Home, Aurora, Indiana.
Services will be held at 2:00 pm at the funeral home with Pastor Tommy Beatley officiating.
Interment will follow in the River View Cemetery, Aurora, Indiana.
Contributions may be made to the Aurora Life Squad, Hillforest Historical Society, or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. If unable to attend services, please call the funeral home office at (812) 926-1450 and we will notify the family of your donation with a card.
Due to the current situation dealing with COVID-19, we are following the directives from Governor Holcomb and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning large events and mass gatherings. The family deeply appreciates the support and love shown from friends, but the health and well being of everyone in our community is of top priority. We are asking everyone who will be in attendance to please remember the social distancing guidelines at all times, and the wearing of masks is highly recommended.
Alternative ways to express your condolences can be done by going online at our website and leaving the family a message, sending a card, flowers, or making a donation in memory of their loved one.