Jan. 29, 1921 -- Nov. 3, 2003

Velma was born in South Bend, Ind., one of 13 children of Joseph and Julia (Racz) Ross, who have preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Elmer Whitteberry. Together, they had two children who also survive, Richard Whitteberry of South Bend, Ind., and Pamela (Joseph) Kronewitter of Mishawaka, Ind. Besides her children, Velma dearly loved and cherished her grandchildren, Shani Buss of Phoenix, Ariz., and Derek Whitteberry of New Carlisle, Ind., Sean Elli of Memphis, Tenn., and Darci Elli of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. She relished the innocence of babies and small children, getting great pleasure in seeing them, and her four surviving great-grandchildren, showering them with attention and affection.

She was close to her immediate family, especially her sisters. Those surviving are William Ross and Mary Rzeszweski, both of South Bend, and Rose Burnette of Fort Myers, Fla. Preceding her in death are six brothers, Joseph, Frank, Steve, John, Alex and Ernest Ross; and three sisters, Julia Cain, Isabelle Giszewski and Helen Lundstrom, who she greatly missed.

She was a lifelong learner, always inquisitive, seeking new information to use in her life. She graduated from South Bend's Central High School in 1941, and took great pride in her service to her country as a Navy Wave, receiving an honorable discharge at the end of World War II. After raising her two children, Velma was educated and trained as an executive secretary, working for a number of years in credit and collection. However, she was artistic and creative, putting these talents to work at Mishawaka's Battell Center in their recreation department. And up until last year when she retired, Velma taught ceramics, organized trips and recreation activities for nearly 15 years at Howard Park Senior Center in South Bend. As a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church, she was active for many years as a choir member, and spearheaded numerous fund-raising projects. Velma was also involved with the Battell Toe Tappers and enjoyed performing at various local functions.

An avid bird watcher, she found great enjoyment in attracting birds to her yard. Being a flower lover, her beds were always tenderly attended. She and her husband enjoyed raising vegetable gardens each and every year. As a great cook, she carried on her Hungarian heritage through various dishes and pastries, as well as sharing her favorite recipes with others. A caring neighbor, she was always active with a great love for the outdoors, camping and going to the lake in the summers. One of her greatest achievements was taking an active position as an advocate for the development of Baugo Creek County Park in Osceola, Ind., and was instrumental in its realization.

Memorial donations may be made on her behalf to the St. Joseph County Park's general fund. Visitation was held Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 4 to 8 p.m., with the Rosary being said at 6 p.m. in the Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Queen of Peace Catholic Church at 10 a.m. today, Nov. 6, with interment to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.