Velma Lena Gove Niewald

Velma Lena Gove Niewald, age 95, of Hope, Mo., passed away Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at Autumn Meadows Skilled Nursing Facility in Linn. Velma was born March 26, 1916, a daughter to the late George and Carolyn (Schultdz) Gove in Hope. She also attended school in Hope. On October 7, 1936, Velma was united in marriage to Alvin (Pat) Niewald in Linn. He preceded her in death on August 2, 1977. Velma was a homemaker and lived all her life in the Hope area. She was a lifelong member of Salem Hope Presbyterian Church, a member of the church's Quilters Group and Ladies Association. She enjoyed her garden work and loved spending time with her grandchildren and family. Velma is survived by: one son, Reuben A. Niewald and his wife Karen of Hope; two granddaughters, Dena Schirmann and her husband Jason, and Jacqueline Willman and her husband Darrel, both of Jefferson City; seven great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; one step-great-great-granddaughter; one sister, Margaret Lipskoch of Mt. Sterling; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, Velma was preceded in death by: her twin sister, Selma Lipskoch; one brother, Kenneth Gove; three half-sisters, Anna Schulte, Mary Hemeyer, and Minnie Grannert; and one sister-in-law, Selma Hilkerbaumer. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 25, 2012, at Morton Chapel in Linn. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 26, 2012, at Bethel-Salem Presbyterian Church in Hope with her nephew, Rev. Donald Hilkerbaumer and Rev. Bob Bailey officiating. Interment will follow in the Hope Salem Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Hope Salem Cemetery Association or Hospice. Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Mo. (573-897-2214) www.mortonchapel.com