Velma Mae Schmidt

Velma Mae Schmidt, age 78, loving mother and grandmother, was called home by the angels and into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, January 27, 2013. Velma was born and raised in Monte Vista, Colorado in the heart of the San Luis Valley. She adored her father Ted Barton, a local farmer and helped to raise her two brothers and four sisters. She and Eugene were married in 1953 and raised their family in Monte Vista, where they owned and operated Nelson's Dressed Meats from the late 1960's to the early 1980's. They moved to Eagle Nest, New Mexico in 1984 and owned and operated Old Man's BBQ for 15 years. Velma moved to and became part of the Taos community in 2003. Even though Velma lost most of her eyesight in 1990, she remained active and loved to visit with family and listen to books on tape. She was grateful for the National Library Service for the Blind and the wonderful customer service and selection of titles they provided. Velma also loved to talk on the phone with her daughters, her son-in-law Donny and her brothers and sisters. Velma is survived by Eugene, her daughter Sharon, her son Frank, her daughter and son-in- law Valerie and Donny, her grandsons Patrick and Jonathon, her brothers Harold and Donald and her sister Peggy. Mom, we miss you deeply but we know you are with the angels now. And Mom, we all love you very, very much. Memorial service was held on February 2, 2013 at Rivera Chapel.