Velma Hempey

Hastings resident, Velma L. Hempey, 99, passed away Sunday, August 4, 2013 at Perkins Pavilion Good Samaritan Society-Hastings Village, Hastings, Nebraska.

Services will be Thursday, August 8, 2013; 2:00 P.M. at First Christian Church, Hastings with Reverend Dustin Bower officiating. Burial will be in Guide Rock Cemetery, Guide Rock, Nebraska. Memorials may be given to First Christian Church. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 7, 2013; 3:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home, with the family present from 6:00-8:00 P.M. and one hour prior to service at the church.

Velma was born June 4, 1914 in Guide Rock, Nebraska to William & Rosey (Hudson) Gerlach. She grew up in Guide rock, graduated from Guide Rock High School and attended Hastings College. She taught country school in Webster and Adams Counties. She married Guy H. Hempey on November 22, 1947; he preceded her in death on April 17, 1994. Velma was the manager of Montgomery Wards Catalog Store and owner and operator of Mode-O-Day Store in Hastings for many years. She was credit manager at Sears Catalog Store until her retirement in 1974. She was a lifetime member of First Christian Church, and a member of Mary Lanning Hospital Auxiliary.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Veta Edison; son, Ralph Hempey; son-in-law, John 'Jack' Barber; and granddaughter, Jackie Byrkit.

Survivors include:
Daughter: Judi Barber - Hastings, NE
Brother & Sister-in-law: Earl & Bonnie Gerlach - Sioux Falls, SD
7 Grandchildren
14 Great-Grandchildren
2 Great-Great-Grandchildren
2 Nephews
1 Niece