Velma Rose Gifford, 94, of Eau Claire passed away Friday, October 29, 2010, at Dove West Healthcare.\r\nShe was born April 14, 1916, to Edward and Louise (Thompson) Ede in Thompson Valley, Town of Mondovi. Velma graduated from Mondovi High School in 1933, Buffalo County Normal School in Alma, WI, and the University of WI-Eau Claire. After thirty years as an elementary school teacher, she retired from the Eau Claire Public School system in 1978.\r\nOn June 25, 1941, Velma married Owen Gifford in Thompson Valley Lutheran Church, Mondovi, and lived in Bear Creek Valley for several years. Velma was a Past Worthy Matron of Durand Chapter #110 Order of the Eastern Star in Durand. In 1957, Owen and Velma moved to Eau Claire. She was a member of First Lutheran Church, Eau Claire Area Retired Educators Association and Wisconsin Teacher's Association.\r\nVelma is survived by a sister, Edith (Lorn) Larson of Eau Claire; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.\r\nShe was preceded in death by her husband, Owen; her parents; four sisters, Mabel Ness, Selma Stay, Bernice Gunderson, Agnes Bogstad; three brothers, Julian, Norman, and Lawrence Ede.\r\nFuneral services will be at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 31, 2010, at First Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, with Pastor Scott Miller officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire. Family and friends may call from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday prior to services on at the church. \r\nMemorials are encouraged to be directed to First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54703.

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