PRATT — Velda Rea Osborne, 80, passed away on Oct. 24, 2018, in Parkwood Village, Pratt, Kan. She was born on Dec. 22, 1937, in Ransom, Kan., the daughter of Elmo Wayne and Winifred Elma (Hemmert) Mead. Velda was a longtime resident of St. John and a childcare provider for countless children.  

She was a member of St. John The Apostle Catholic Church, Altar Society and Respite Foster Care Provider. 

On Sept. 10, 1955, she married Gillmore John Osborne at Great Bend, Kan. He preceded her in death in 1999. 

Survivors include a son, Michael Osborne (Jill), St. John, Kan.; three daughters, Johnna Stanford (Bruce), Di Fisher (Tim) and Beth Keesling (Kurt) all of St. John, Kan.; three brothers, Darwyn Mead (Pat), McPherson, Kan., Gary Mead (Elaine) Rose Hill, Kan., DEarl Mead (Linda), K.C., Mo.; a sister, Connie Wallis, Bald Knob, Ark.; 13 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Lonnie Mead; and a sister, Judy Johnson.  

Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at St. John The Apostle Catholic Church, St. John, Kan., with Father Michael Klag. Vigil/Rosary will be 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, at the church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Alzheimer’s Association or St. John The Apostle Catholic Church in care of Minnis Chapel, P.O. Box 34, St. John, KS 67576. 

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel 

P.O. Box 34 

St. John, KS  67576

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 28, 2018