Velma Maysle McGaugh was born on a farm-ranch southeast of Amy, Kansas on April 24th 1914 to Robert E. and Olive (Carter) McGaugh. Velma succumbed to cancer on September 19th 2013, at her treasured home.
Velma was preceded in death by her six brothers and her sister.
Velma did not have children of her own, but enjoyed all the love and attention of family from 8 nieces and nephews, 14 grand nieces and nephews, and 11 great grand nieces and nephews. No one in her family has ever known a world without "Aunt Velma".
She attended the country school Prairie Home for her first 8 grades. In 1928 the family moved to a small farm 4 miles East of Garden City, KS where Velma graduated from Garden City High School in 1932. Due to the depression and dust bowl days she was unable to attend a four year college, thus she took jobs such as baby-sitting, house cleaning and clerical work to pay for her attendance to Garden City Junior College. Upon graduation from junior college she obtained a PEO loan, which allowed her to attend Kansas State University, earning a B.S. in Home Economics in 1940. Her first job was a teaching position in Mayetta, Kansas until 1943. At that point her friends enticed her to apply for a Home Economics County Extension position. They told her she would be working with people who 'wanted to learn beyond the classroom'.
She started work in Ottawa County, then Pratt County, and eventually was moved into the State 4-H Club Department as head of the young adult program. In 1955 Velma left her position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and joined the U.S. State Department for a 2-year assignment in West Pakistan as a Home Economics Advisor with the International Cooperation Administration. She returned to the USDA in Kansas in a home economics position in Douglas County then progressed to District Home Economics Supervisor and later became the Head of the State Home Economics in Wyoming before retiring and moving to Colorado Springs, CO in 1974. During her 34 years of service, Velma was able to take sabbaticals for courses at the University's of Colorado, Wisconsin, Hawaii, and finally finishing a Masters Degree in Extension Education with a minor in child development at the Cornell University at Ithaca, NY.
Velma loved to travel having been around the world twice, with other excursions to Finland, Canada, Eastern Europe, and a freighter trip to the Mediterranean with her brother Escrige. For many years she spent her Christmas holidays traveling to various Christmas resort areas such as Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Hawaii.
As expected, Velma was a member of many local, state and national organizations including the PEO, the American Association of University Women, and also memberships in state, national, and international Home Economics Organizations. She was an advisor to Phi Upsilon Omicron, National Association of Extension Home Economists, 4-H Clovia Scholarship House, El Paso Sigma Phi, and National Clovis Who's Who. She was a member of the Broadmoor Community Church and served with the Women's Fellowship.
All of her family and many friends cherished her and will deeply miss this Exceptional Lady.
Memorial Services for Velma will be held:
October 5th, 2013, 10 AM Broadmoor Community Church
315 Lake Avenue Colorado Springs, Colorado
Graveside Service October 7th, 2013, 11 AM
Valley View Cemetery 2901 N. 3rd Street Garden City, Kansas
Memorial donation may be made in recognition of Velma McGaugh to: Kansas 4-H Foundation-Clovia
116 Umberger Hall, KSU Manhattan, KS 66506
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Her Family and Friends.
Upon searching for Velma on the internet, I just saw this obit and learned of her passing. I have many fond memories of working with her in the 4-H Dept at KSU. I just ran across a news article about her which appeared in the Ottawa Herald on March 28 1958.
D Apel
August 24, 2014
Just a reminder to everyone, this Guest Book Memorial does not expire, it has been made permanent. You can also post pictures with captions with your remembrance. It will be a place to visit on a Holiday, Birthday, or Special Anniversary. Our memories will go on.
John Stack
October 14, 2013
You left your mark on this world and so many have been changed for the better for having known you. It just doesn't seem right to have a world without Aunt Velma. 'Til we meet again...
Jill Bedford
October 4, 2013
You were God's gift to us! You ran the race well and are now reaping your reward
in heaven.. Love now & forever:
Marilyn Levy - Aunt Velma's niece
September 29, 2013
Even at the very end, Velma, you had a smile on your face and had something funny to say. You will celebrate your 100th Birthday with the Angels. Missing you, my sweet friend.
Mrilyn Stack
September 28, 2013
To John Mcgaugh family, so very sorry for your loss.May God bless Velma. Yolanda Bartlett
September 28, 2013
May your soul rest in Heaven and watch over the children.
Shannon McGannon
September 28, 2013
Velma, what I knew of you was amazing. You were a wonderful woman. Rest in peace.
Shannon McGannon
September 28, 2013
Aunt Velma having you in this world made it a better place and you will be missed. God Bless
Larry J McGaugh
Your brother Henry E McGaugh youngest son
Larry McGaugh
September 28, 2013
What an amazing woman. I know she will be greatly missed.
Sandie
September 28, 2013
Heaven has opened its doors to a very special soul! We will remember you fondly, Aunt Velma
Bill & Becky Levy
September 28, 2013
September 28, 2013
September 28, 2013
"Each step of the way" I will be there for you. You have finished everything and now you can rest. Good night Velma.
John Stack
September 28, 2013
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