Velma J Roberts

August 8, 1925 - December 13, 2020

Velma J. Roberts, 95, of Northwood, Iowa, and formerly of Manly, Iowa, passed away Sunday, December 13, 2020 at the Lutheran Retirement Home. A graveside service will be held 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, with Pastor Linda Johnson Prestholt officiating. A celebration of Velma’s life will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 E. Spring Street, Manly, Iowa. The family will not be present during the visitation. Memorial contributions may be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or charity of your choice. Velma was born to Manley and Olive (Moretz) Anderson on August 10, 1925 in rural Kensett, Iowa. She married Donald Roberts in Grand Island, NE, on January 21, 1945. After retiring from farming, Don and Velma moved into Manly and spent several years traveling to Texas and Arizona. She was active in the Garden Club, Quilting and Altar Guild at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where she especially enjoyed making the baptismal hankies for many years. Velma is survived by her daughter, Arlene (Gary) Gesme of Geneseo, IL; son, Ronald (Beverly) Roberts of Clear Lake, IA, and foster son, Marty (Melinda) Leewright of Fort Worth, TX; six grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; one brother, Millard (Cynthia) Anderson of Sheldon, IA; two sisters, Norma Streich of Manly and Charlotte Cobeen of St. Ansgar; sister in-law, Lois Roberts of Nampa, ID, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Manley and Olive Anderson; husband, Donald Roberts; three sisters, DeAlda Stromley, Arlene Martie and Joy Warner.