Obituary

Velma F. Currie, 80, of Mesa Arizona died Friday, October 17, 2025 under the care of hospice in Mesa, Arizona. She was one of “the twins” born on January 27, 1945 in New Ulm, Minnesota to the late Edwin G. and Emma E. (Campbell) Jones of Cambria, Minnesota. Raised on a farm along with four siblings, she attended country school #11 near Cambria for 6 years and graduated from New Ulm Pubic High in 1963. Velma received a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in recreational therapy from Mankato State College in 1967.

Immediately following college graduation Velma was employed within her field of study by Faribault State School & Hospital (MN). Other employment opportunities in Faribault included ceramic tiling and roofing projects during the summer, proprietor of a liquor store and, a long-time driver for the Faribault transportation company. She was loved by her student passengers and knew all of them by name. Because she also bussed students from the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf, Velma became quite fluent in sign language.

Velma’s hobbies and entertainment venues varied throughout the years. She participated in league bowling, golfing, camping, downhill skiing, cheering for the Minnesota Vikings (quite possibly making a small wager), playing Bingo, “eating out” and entertaining friends and family in her AZ home. In Velma’s retirement years she spent a great deal of time creating large and small wood working projects. (Armoires, dressers, end tables, rocking horses, snowmen, Santa’s, etc.)

Velma married Terry Currie in 1971 and later divorced. She had no children, however, was always committed to playing and growing with her nieces and nephews during regular family gatherings and beyond. Velma was always up for offering new experiences and adventures for their curious minds. She was a very strong, independent, hard wording, kind and generous sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Life became increasingly more difficult and frustrating for Velma in the past year when her body could not keep up with the ideas she had in mind for what she wanted to accomplish.

Velma is survived by her brother, Eldon (Carol) and her twin sister Selma, “Sally” (Bob) and the following nieces and nephews: Keith, Kurt, Kevin, Monica, Brenda, Kristen, Kelsey, Tim, Ross, Ryan. Other special survivors include twelve first cousins, several grand nieces, and nephews and numerous compassionate friends. Along with her parents, Velma was preceded in death by her youngest brother, Loren in June of 2023 and her oldest brother, Ernest in July, 2025.

A Celebration of life will take place at the Town Hall in Cambria, Minnesota on May 30, 2026 at 1:30 pm. In place of the usual memorial, we lovingly encourage you to be intentional in planning to spend a special time with your family and friends in memory of Velma. She will be missed but remembered by so many.