Velma I. (Swisher) Highsmith was born June 9, 1921, in rural Saline County. Velma was the first of five children born to Wilbur and Tressa (Harris) Swisher.
Velma moved to the Gypsum community as a child, attended Gypsum schools and graduated from Gypsum High school. After high school, Velma attended Central Christian College in McPherson, KS. These were war years and Velma moved to Galveston to work in government work. Her last place of employment was American Safety Equipment Corporation in Fresno, California. When Velma retired, she returned to Gypsum to help care for her parents and remained here until her death.
Velma married Robert Highsmith and they lived in Idaho, Arizona and California.
Velma was a member of the Gypsum Baptist church and Baptist Womens Association. Velma was strong in her faith and attended church regularly. Velma loved her family and stayed active in the Swisher reunions until June 2012.
Velma was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers Gerald and Dale, four nephews Jerry, Jay, Coleman Eric, and Brad Swisher.
Survivors Include:
One sister and husband: Glenda and James Simmons, Seattle, Washington
One brother and wife: Dean and Nancy Swisher, Gypsum, KS
15 nieces and nephews: Diane, Greg, Randy, Rosemary, Denice, Jeff, Jamie, Mike, Patrick, Brenda, Brian, Rose Ann, Clay, Barbara and Shannon
Velma was greatly loved by her family and friends and will be missed but never forgotten.
Funeral services will be 11 am, Friday, Aug. 17, at the First Baptist Church of Gypsum, Gypsum, KS.
Burial will follow at the Gypsum Valley Cemetery.
Visitation will be the hour prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to the charity of the donors choice.
For information/condolences visit www.ryanmortuary.com. |