Velma Ricciardi

Velma was born to Phelps and Betty Walker November 3, 1923 in Bisbee, Arizona. Velma was an only child, but she was raised with many cousins. She was raised on a dairy, she loved working with her dad. One cousin, Dorothy Payne was more like a sister than a cousin. The two of them were always into something. They had an amazing bond. Velma went to school in White Oaks, N.M., her aunt was her teacher there. She is a graduate of Roswell High school. She was a butcherette at Furrs Market for 20 years; she was one of the best. Velma had many hobbies, she loved embroidering for her family. She enjoyed bowling and was on a league for many years at the Red Rooster bowling lanes. She also loved dancing, gambling, and she loved to travel. Velma loved Christmas, it was her favorite time of the year. She enjoyed having all of the family around, decorating, baking, and wrapping gifts.

Her grandchildren and great grandchildren said the best memory of her is Christmas, walking into her house seeing the decorations and smelling what she was baking. She also loved her kitties, they were great company. Velma was a very happy and feisty lady who loved her family very much; she will be dearly missed.

Velma was involved in many groups, she belonged to the Church of Christ, she was an Eastern Star Member at Chapter 24 in Hagerman, N.M.; she served one year as worthy matron. She also belonged to the Woodmen of the World, NARF, and the NRA; at age 90 she received her concealed carry permit.

Velma is preceded in death by her parents Phelps and Bettie Walker; her husband Bill Ricciardi, son Kenny Whitworth; son-in-law Jerry Cullins; and granddaughter Betty Lou Whitworth.

She is survived by sons Wesley Whitworth and wife Modesta of Weed, C.A.; Billy Ricciardi and wife Nancy of C.A.; daughters Barbara Cullins of Roswell, N.M.; Angeline Carroll and husband Roy of Columbus, G.A.; Valerie Ricciardi of Maryland; sisters Dorothy Payne of Carizozo, N.M.(cousins by birth, sisters by choice); 10 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and special friends.

Pallbearers will be Jake Cullins, Garrett Luiz, Austin Carroll, Justin Cullins, Joe Luiz, John-Riley Luiz, Kelly Leslie, and J.W. Forbes. Honorary Pallbearers will be Son-in-laws, Grandsons, and Great Grandsons.

The family would like to thank Dr. Nowak for taking care of our mother and for all of his kindness. Also we want to thank the Mission Arch staff for the excellent care they gave Velma; she loved you all. Thank you LaGrone Funeral Chapel for all your care and kindness during this difficult time. We also want to thank someone who is very special to us all, Velma's daughter Barbara. You were a Godsend to mother, always know mother loved and appreciated all you did for her; we all do.

Visitation

LaGrone Funeral Chapel
900 South Main Street
Roswell, NM  88203
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
1:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Service

LaGrone Funeral Chapel
900 South Main Street
Roswell, NM  88203
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
11:00 am

Cemetery

Gen. Douglas L. McBride Veterans Cemetery-Roswell
3101 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203