Velda Marie Stephens was born at her Grandma and Grandpa Stephen's farmhouse on September 7, 1932 near Jennings, Kansas. She was the second child of seven born to William and Wilhelmina Stephens. Velda went home to be with the Lord on November 23, 2011 at Calloway Gardens. She was constantly surrounded by her family the last week of her life as the final opportunities to show love and care were known to be coming soon. Those days were precious and the regular visits will be greatly missed by her children and family.

Velda's early years in Kansas were memorable ones full of adventures. When Velda was eight the family moved to Colorado and later when Velda was in the sixth grade the family moved to Oregon for a short time. In 1945, the family settled in Washington. When she was almost 17, Velda married the love of her life, Mel Colby in Richland, WA. Together Mel & Velda raised a family of four – Randy, Sandie, and twins Mike and Steve. They lived most of their married years in the Tri-Cities except for three memorable years in Michigan and some early years in Grandview and Coeur D'Alene. Velda experienced an array of adventures being the busy mom of four young kids. In 1997 Mel and Velda wrote, "It seems like there was a crisis of some kind most every day around our house but we're living proof that you can survive. " Survive they did, and they had a lot of fun along the way. Together they raised a loving family who remains close to this day. In retirement years, Velda and Mel had many memorable times in their motor home. The family treasures all the great family get-togethers that Mel and Velda hosted at their house. Simple times that were simply fun!

Mel and Velda loved each other in sickness and in health, and shared the path of Alzheimer's together. They came together to Calloway in October 2007 until Mel passed away on December 23, 2009. In the two years after Mel's passing, Velda continued to live at Calloway and she continued to brighten our lives. Velda loved to sing "You Are My Sunshine" with daughter Sandie and even though she couldn't always sing the words, it brought her much enjoyment "in the moment".

A special thank-you to those at Calloway who extended warmth and care to the family.

Velda enjoyed gardening, badminton, fishing, camping, square-dancing and she was a formidable opponent in double-hand solitaire. Her chocolate cream pie was amazing! She was rarely without her beautiful smile and brightened up our day with her laugh and smiles. Velda was preceded in death by her husband Melvin; father William; mother Wilhelmina; and two infant sisters.

Velda leaves behind a loving family: son Randy Colby; daughter Sandie King Joe; son Mike Colby Joan; son Steve Colby Twila; grand-son Rick Colby Jenny and great-grandchildren Marcus and Samantha; grand-daughter Sherrie Martinez Augie and great-grand-children Steven and Audrey; grand-son Justin Colby Shanlenn and great-grandson Alden and grandsons Matthew and David Colby; brothers Murl and Leland Stephens; sisters Rusta Watt and Mary Fowler.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate Velda's life on Sunday, December 4th at 2:30 p.m. at the Einan's Event Center in Richland, WA.