Velma Mae Gannon

In Loving Memory Velma Mae Gannon July 13, 1930 – October 28, 2014 Velma Mae Poplin was born to Mary (Davis) and Clinton Poplin on July 13, 1930 in Van Buren, AR. She was the first-born of two children. She grew up knowing hard work and enjoying down home southern cooking. When Vel was 12 years old, the family moved west, eventually settling in Shafter, CA. Upon graduation from Shafter High School, she married George Allen Smith and the newlyweds moved to Bakersfield. George started his work in banking, Vel was a homemaker and they were active members in their Lutheran church. Together they had sons Richard, Samuel and Edward and daughter Holly. In 1962 George passed away. In 1963 Vel met and married William H. Gannon. As Will began his career with Pacific Gas & Electric, Vel continued her role as a stay-at-home mom. Together they welcomed daughter Stacey and son Shawn. As her children grew and began leaving home, Vel returned to school. She had always been interested in the healthcare field and chose to become a respiratory therapist. After a tough course of study, she graduated and started a 15-year career, working in several Bakersfield hospitals, often taking care of the most critically ill patients. In 1987 Will was transferred to Santa Rosa and so began their next adventure. She loved entertaining friends and her growing family in this new home. In 2004, after 41 years of service, Will retired from PG&E and they moved to Newberg. Vel became a member of Joyful Servant Lutheran Church, making new friends. She was also active in the local senior center. Vel is survived by her husband Will, children Rick (Jana), Sam (Cindy), Shawn (Margaret) and Holly (Greg); her brother Paul (Dee); 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren (with one on the way!). Her daughter Stacey and son Ed preceded her in death. Vel was a lifelong fitness advocate and took wonderful care of herself. She understood the benefits of Yoga and Tai Chi long before it was “the thing” to do. She loved her walks, her family, and her bulldogs. As dementia robbed her of some previous memories, her husband and caregiver Will was always at her side. Services will be held at Joyful Servant Lutheran Church in Newberg on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 2:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Santa Rosa Memorial Park, Santa Rosa, CA. Arrangements are in the care of Attrell's Newberg Funeral Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.attrells.com In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to your favorite charity, in remembrance of Vel, c/o Attrell's Newberg Funeral Chapel, 207 Villa Road, Newberg, Oregon 97132

Velma Mae Gannon

July 13, 1930 - October 28, 2014