Obituaries

Velma Louise (May) McGarity Velma L. McGarity (age 88) died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on June 27, 2012 at Midland Hospice House. She was born on February 23, 1924 on the family farm at Williamstown, Ks., daughter of Glenn Z. May and Cassie Mae (Dick) May. After attending Williamstown grade school, Velma went to Perry High School where she was homecoming queen and valedictorian of her graduation class of 1942. In January 1947 she graduated from Christ’s Hospital Nursing School as a Registered Nurse. Velma and J. Kenneth McGarity were married August 28, 1947 at Holy Name Catholic Church. Before, during and after raising her 5 children, she worked at local hospitals, nursing homes and private residences. Velma was an active member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. She cherished every endeavor in which she was involved, including acting as a weekly guardian at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel. In addition, she was an avid supporter and monthly meal provider at Let’s Help Inc., as well as a member of the Daughters of Isabella Velma was an accomplished needle worker and seamstress, actively participating in the Needlework Guild. She and Ken loved gardening and many camping trips to the mountains and lakes. Later they traveled the US, Germany and Hawaii. She especially loved playing cards with her family. Her pitch skills were legendary. Preceding her in death were sons, John in 1987 and Mark in 2007 and a sister, Edith Bishop, in 1962. Survivors include her husband, Ken, three daughters, Diane (John) Gorman, Upper Montclair, NJ, Shirley (Paul) Bernica, Topeka and Debra Mathews, Metaline Falls, WA, a daughter-in-law Carol McGarity of Topeka, a sister, Esther Thompson, Meriden, KS and brother Glenn E May, Texas, 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.