Velma Eileen Valk, 88, of Oakdale, died peacefully on Sunday, March 23.
She was born in San Andreas to Oscar and Anna Mason, the youngest of 11 children. Her family moved many times until finally settling in Modesto.
She met and fell in love with her lifelong sweetheart Harvey Leonard Valk, Jr. when they played together in the Modesto High School Band. They were married in 1948. She enjoyed a very happy and long life married to the only man she ever loved.
Mrs. Valk and her husband settled in Oakdale where they lived in the same ranch house their entire marriage of 66 years. She bore five children. Four children grew to adulthood and still live in Oakdale. She was known as Grandma to her grandchildren and their friends. She and her husband were always in attendance at their children’s and grandchildren’s swimming, football, basketball, volleyball, and soccer games, Junior Miss performances, and various talent shows. She will be remembered by her fist-bumping, sweet-loving and cheerful smile and attitude. She was full of spunk and charm until the end.
She was very blessed to have many lifelong friends. She loved her family with her whole heart and always made everyone feel welcome in her home. She made everyone she came in contact with feel special and was truly interested in what was going on in their lives. She loved going on cross-country motor home trips with her husband, and made frequent visits to Disneyland.
She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was also a member Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.
She is survived by her husband, Harvey Leonard Valk, Jr.; daughters, Gayle (Mike) Riley, Joy (the late Dale) Stephens, Judy (Mike) House; son, Don (Carla) Valk; grandchildren, Stephanie, Shelly, Matt, Luke, Amy, Rodney, Katie, Christy, Jennifer, Kelly, Cortney, Brittany, Kevin, Tim, Janessa, and Ryan; and 29 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; 10 siblings; and first-born daughter, Joyce.
A viewing will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 29 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1111 East A St., Oakdale. Services will be held immediately following at 11 a.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Community Hospice.
