Velma Schwinderman

Velma Lucille Schwinderman, one of seven children of Floyd Judson Tibbles and Rhoda Esther (Gallup) Tibbles, was born on February 8, 1921 in Carson, Iowa. Velma attended school in Macedonia, Iowa and graduated from Macedonia High School in 1940.

On May 18, 1940, the day after her high school graduation, Velma and Ransom LeRoy "John" Schwinderman were united in marriage. They made their home in Macedonia where they were members of the United Methodist Church. Their marriage was blessed with three daughters, Marcia Jeanne, Mauna Lea, and Debra Sue.

For many years, Velma was a clerk-manager at the grocery store in Macedonia. She enjoyed making Barbie Doll clothing including custom-made reproductions of wedding gowns and tuxedos and attending craft shows to sell her creations. She enjoyed being a member of the Jolly Dozen Club.

Velma and John were married over 47 years at the time of his death on August 26, 1987. Velma continued to live in her home in Macedonia and remained active. For 16 years, she enjoyed ballroom dancing with her dancing partner, Marion Perdue.

In 2007, Velma moved to Oakland Heights in Oakland, Iowa and for the past two months had been living at the Oakland Manor. Velma died at the Manor on July 10, 2009 at the age of 88 years, 5 months, and 2 days.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Rhoda Tibbles; husband John; daughter Marcia Zimmerman in 2007; infant brother Russell Tibbles; sisters, Carolyn Monaghan, Mary Wilson and husband Jack, and Eva Hunter and husband Guy.

Velma is survived by her daughters, Mauna Lea Baker and husband Vern of Gilbert, AZ and Debra Hutzel of Phoenix, AZ; two grandchildren Matt Baker of Gilbert, AZ and Ashley Baker of Voorhees, NJ; brothers, Floyd Tibbles, Jr. and wife Fern of Auburn, NE, Lawrence Tibbles and wife Sherie of Oakland, IA, and brother-in-law, Larry Monaghan of Lincoln, NE; other relatives and friends.