Velma Leta Atwood

Memorial service for Velma Atwood will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2012 at Gillette Memorial Chapel, Gillette, Wyoming with Pastor Marty Crump of Family Life Church officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Pisgah Cemetery.Velma Leta Atwood age 93, passed away Thursday, February 2, 2012 at Johnson County Care Center in Buffalo, Wyoming.Velma was born in Gillette, Wyoming, May 13, 1918 to Lewella and Loyd Fouts one year after the young couple had homesteaded in the Pumpkin Butte area south of Gillette. That same year Loyd lost his life while serving in the trenches of Europe during WWI. Her mother Lewella married August "Gus" Laur July 3, 1935.Velma was raised in the Pumpkin Butte area and graduated from Campbell County High School. She married Emil (Happy) Atwood, May 7, 1938. Velma and Happy maintained a home in Gillette and were also in partnership with Velma's parents, Gus and Lewella Laur on the ranch, where their three daughters were raised.In 1963 they moved to Buffalo, Wyoming where they owned and operated the Wyoming Motel until 1970. They retired and built a lovely house where they resided until Happy passed away in 2004. Velma spent her remaining years in Bee Hive Assisted Living, Amy Holt Care Center and Agapa Manor in Buffalo.Their home was the family hub where the grandkids found a child's haven of cookies, gardening, fishing, wise guidance and unconditional love. Her family was the center and pleasure of her life.She will be greatly missed by her daughters: Myrna Christensen and husband Jerry, of Buffalo, WY;Lynda Decker of Gillette, WY; Donna Smith and husband Mike of Grangeville, Id: nine grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 12 great- great-grandchildren.Velma was preceded in death by her husband, Happy; her father, Loyd Fouts, (in 1918); her mother Lewella, and stepfather Gus Laur.Memorials are suggested to Susie Lawrence Hospice, 497 W. Lott, Buffalo, WY or the charity of your choice. Memorials and condolences may be sent in Velma's name to Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via our website: www.walkerfuneralgillette.comFuneral Home:Walker Funeral Home410 Medical Arts CourtGillette, WYUS 82716