Velma Haugen

Velma June Haugen, 84, of Beebe, Arkansas, died Tuesday, May 25, 2010, peacefully surrounded by loved ones. She was born June 12, 1925 in Enid, Oklahoma, the first daughter of Thomas Webb and Grace Ann Sheddy. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Harlan Haugen; two daughters, Patricia Burrows and Doreen Miller (John); her brother, Thomas "Bud" Webb; her sister, Enid Hahn and two grandchildren, Quentin Miller and Steven Grant Williams.
She is survived by 4 daughters: Rita Millsap Colbert (Ronnie) of Ward, AR; Terry Williams (Steve) of Beebe, AR; Laura Rymel of Beebe, AR; Nancy Haugen Thomas (Alex) of Fair Oaks, California, as well as 12 grandchildren: Jim Millsap of Antioch, AR; Steve Millsap of Jacksonville, AR; Ellen Englehart (James) of Fairfax, VA; Nathan Miller of Glendale, AZ; Andrea Miller (Mike) of Howell, MI; Ryan Miller (Mary) of Saline, MI; Loren Miller (Michelle) of Abilene, Texas, Kimberly Gary (Tony) of Sherwood, AR; Kevin Williams of Sherwood, AR; Gracie Rymel of Beebe, AR; Ben Johnston of Fair Oaks, CA; and Matt Johnston serving in the Air Force in Afghanistan; 10 great-grandchildren: Jay, Emily, Steven, Bradley, Marcus, Megan, Hailey, Jacob, Grant and Ella; and 1 great-great granddaughter, Gabriella.
Velma spent her late teens in an orphanage in Alva, OK, where she formed life-long friendships. She was a bright light in so many lives and shared her love of singing with all who would listen. She loved her family and was a devoted daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. She read poetry aloud to her children and sang ballads about the Indian wars and prohibition that brought all to tears. She taught her family to love people for what's in their heart and to always treat people with respect and dignity regardless of their beliefs or ethnicity. She grew up poor and worked hard her whole life; farming in Albert Lea, Minnesota while her first four daughters were young, following the hope of a better life to Canoga Park, California, in 1955, where she worked in the aerospace industry, holding two full time jobs at times and welcoming two more daughters to her family. In 1963, she, Harlan and their girls set out for Arkansas, bought a dairy farm and lived happily for the rest of her years in Beebe. She had a deep faith in God, taught her daughters how to love and to never feel sorry for themselves. One of her many legendary quotes was, "I felt sorry for myself because I had no shoes 'til I met a man who had no feet". There was no place in Velma's life for pity. She was a strong, genuine, loving and wise woman who never stopped smiling. We will all miss her greatly, but we are certain that she is singing with Angels.
We would like to thank the doctors, nurses and caregivers, who along with her family filled her world with love. A visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, May 30, 2010, at Westbrook Funeral Home in Beebe. The family will have a private inurnment after Memorial Day.