Velma Maxine Perkins, age 93 of North Platte, passed away Saturday February 21, 2015 at North Platte Care Center where she had resided for the past 4 years.
Velma was born October 26, 1921 in Sutherland, NE to Raymond and Lola (Brumbaugh) Wamsley. She grew up in the Sand Hills of Nebraska, moving several times as her father worked farm and ranch jobs. She attended Diamond Bar School for 8 elementary grades, spent one semester of high school in Kansas, 1 ½ years in Hastings, NE, and her last two years in Paxton, NE where she graduated from high school. She had plans of attending Business School in Denver, but ended up housekeeping for the family she was staying with. She also did housekeeping and child care for other families before she was married. At age 19, Velma attended a Literary Meeting at Miller School close to North Platte with friends and there she met Thomas Junior Perkins. They were married on December 30, 1941 at her uncle’s home in Ogallala, NE and were married for 70 years before he passed away in May of 2012.
She was a busy farm wife and mom to two children, Judith Raye and Thomas Larry, and much of the time had extra children staying at their home. She always had a big garden, milked the cows, and worked in the hayfield. She loved the yard and garden and worked hard to keep it blooming and beautiful. She was active in Mother’s Club at Miller School and Jolly Dozen Club for young mothers in the neighborhood; she also bowled on a league for several years. She and Junior enjoyed square dancing and attended many dances in the area; they loved to vacation and her favorite spots were the Rocky Mountains, the ocean, and hot springs.
Velma is survived by her children Judy (John) Ruzicka of Grand Island and Tom (Lori Aquila) Perkins of Lakewood, CO; 6 grandchildren James (Patricia) Ruzicka of Juniata, NE, Lisa Ruzicka of Washington State, Clinton Ruzicka of Lincoln, NE, Craig (Stephanie) Ruzicka of Grand Island, NE, Holly (Joshua) Robertson of Waverly, NE, and Heidi (Garon) Lear of Berthoud, CO; 3 great grandchildren Brandon Schlauder, Dustin (Nicole) Ruzicka, Jamie (Brian) Bomberger; and 12 great great grandchildren; and a sister-in-law Clare Wamsley.
She was preceded in death by her husband Junior Perkins; her parents Lola and Raymond Wamsley; and two brothers Clarence (Brownie) Wamsley and Larry Wamsley.
Memorials are suggested in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 26, 2015 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with Bishop Dan Hitch officiating. Burial will follow at the Paxton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2015 with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.