VELMA DELORES CHANDLER

Velma Delores Chandler, 92, of Lincoln, passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2016 at Havelock Manor Assisted Living in Lincoln. She was born April 30, 1923 on a farm near Falls City, one of two daughters of John and Florence (Shafer) Ramer.  
    Delores, as she was known by, attended country schools in Richardson County. In September of 1940 Delores was married to Melvin Whitehead in Stella. They were blessed with four children:Neil, Gary, James, and Donna. The couple divorced in 1965. In July of 1994 Delores was united in marriage to Donald Chandler in Shubert. Don passed away in Dec. of 2003.
   Delores was a farm wife during her early years of marriage. In the early ‘50’s she went to work at the Campbell Soup plant in Tecumseh, She later worked at and egg plant near Hiawatha before going to work at the Stephenson Hotel in Falls City. Through the years Delores also was a breeder and seller of Norwegian Elkhounds.
   In 1962 Delores was baptized in the First Baptist Church in Tecumseh.  She again received Jesus Christ into her life in 2013.  
   Delores enjoyed her years traveling in the camper with Don and wintering in Arizona. She liked to play guitar and sing country music, and enjoyed doing crosswords, reading, sewing, and crocheting. Most of all, Delores loved being with and doing activities with her family.
   Delores is survived by her son; Jim (Elouise) Whitehead of Lincoln; daughter Donna (Ed) Coonce of Topeka, KS; daughter-in-law Sharron Whitehead of Auburn; step-son Mike (Joyce) Chandler of Beatrice; step-daughter Carol Chandler and partner Jane Ludwig of Washington State; six grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her sons Neil and Gary, grandson Jarod Coonce, husband Donald, and sister Geraldine Ingles.
  A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 24, 2016, at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn, officiated by Rev. Corey Miller.  Special music was provided by Janell Johnson and Ian Miller.  Ed Coonce, Tyler Whitehead, Lucas Renken, Nathaniel Hogan, Matthew Milke, and Scott Whitehead served as honorary bearers.  Burial will be at Harris Cemetery at Barada.