Velma Arlene Rocks

Velma Arlene Rocks, “Grammer” 93, passed away on Sunday, April 1, 2012 in Sandpoint, Idaho. Memorial services will be conducted 2:00PM, Saturday, April 21, 2012 at New Song Bible Church, 470250 Hwy 95 in Sagle with Pastor Barry Johnson, officiating. Food and fellowship will follow the service. Family interment will be at a later date in Pinecrest Memorial Park. Velma Carlson was born in Kellogg, Idaho on July 30, 1918, the daughter of Carl and Andrina Carlson. She attended school in Kellogg and graduated from Kellogg High School in 1936. She married Rex VanGundy and they moved to the Careywood area. They were later divorced. She then moved to Sandpoint, working as a waitress at the Sandpoint Café and at the Pastime. She married Mike Rocks in 1959 and he preceded her in death. During WW II Velma volunteered at the USO in Sandpoint. She loved to go “downtown” in Sandpoint where she would visit with family and friends. She was lovingly nicknamed “Grammer” by her grandchildren. Although she did not drive, finding her at home was nearly impossible. She just loved to be on the go. Velma valued her family and friends and appreciated her good neighbors. She was upbeat with a great sense of humor and saw the best in people, always providing love and support. She is survived by her children Ellen Grosjean of Sandpoint; Larry and (Alice) VanGundy of Bonners Ferry; Ron and (Connie) VanGundy of Bonners Ferry; and Shelley Rocks Bruna of Hayden; 12 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren; and a niece Karen Chamberlain. She was also preceded in death by son Steven VanGundy, daughter Dorothy Delcomte; sisters, Margaret (Jerry) Richmond, Dorothy Kottkey, and her brother Carl Carlson. The family appreciated and wanted to thank her care providers Dr. Bowden, Dr. Neer, Dr. Meulenberg and staff at Family Health Center, and especially her care providers at Huckleberry Retirement II. Memorials may be made to the local Alzheimer’s Association or to the Bonner County Food Bank.