Velma Houghtaling, 78, of Rockham, SD died Friday, July 27, 2007 at Avera St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen, SD. Her memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at Thelen Funeral Home, in Redfield. Reverend Tim Fugman will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Grace Cemetery in Rockham.


Velma Ione Carter was born August 12, 1928, in Rockham, SD to Ralph and Marjorie (Lloyd) Carter. Velma married Don Houghtaling in Redfield on September 6, 1947. She spent twenty-five years working for SDDC-Redfield in the laundry department. Velma enjoyed gardening, crocheting, playing cards and spending time with her family. She was an avid baseball fan of local teams and the Chicago Cubs and the Minnesota Twins.

She is survived by her husband Don of Rockham, SD; three children: Marcia (Chub) Mapes of Stapleton, NE, Terry Houghtaling of Eden Prairie, MN and Sheila Robertson of Rockham. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Traci (Mark) Frey, Stapleton, NE, Cory (Robyn) Hoesing, Townsville, Australia, Nikki Hoesing, North Platte, NE, Rick Hoesing, Omaha, NE, Chad (Erica) Robertson, Carmel, IA, Dawn (Jay) Whitley, Redfield, SD and T.J. (Jamie) Campbell, Redfield, eighteen great grandchildren, one brother Ed (Dorothy) Carter, and a sister Georgia Gossard both of Redfield; many nieces and nephews and three sisters-in-law.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers: James and Daryl and one sister Karen.