Velma Mae Ekins

Velma Mae (Townsend) Ekins, 97, died Sunday, December 31, 2023, at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. A private family graveside service was held.

Velma, the daughter of William M. and Norma E. (Williams) Townsend, was born December 11, 1926, in Newton. She graduated from Newton High School in 1945.  Velma was united in marriage with Junior Ekins on August 20, 1946, in Newton. 

Velma worked as a proofreader at The Vernon Company for 20 years, retiring in 1987.  She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and First Christian Church, where she helped organize and serve many meals over the years. She was also part of the church’s quilting club that sent quilts to the homeless and those in need.  Velma was an avid reader and kept busy sewing and crocheting.  She loved to bake, and pies were her specialty. Velma loved her family dearly.

Velma is survived by her daughters, Julie (Dan) Crook of Newton and Peggy (Brad) Pohto of White Bear Lake, MN; her special daughter-in-law, Gloria Croce of Newton; 5 granddaughters: Cassandra Crummett, Kali (Aaron) Mantey, Brittney Pohto, Jyni (Ben) Ekins, and Amanda (Sam) Regehr; her great-grandchildren:  Alexis Baker, Brianna Crummett, Eden Mae Mantey, Sophie Peterson, and Jackson Regehr; her sister-in-law, Chris Townsend of Newton; and several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Junior in 2021; son, Jack Ekins; grandson-in-law, Brian Crummett; 3 sisters: Carlene Carstens, Billie Rosenberger, and Virginia Townsend; and her brother, Robert Townsend.

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