Velma L. Zook, 87, of Sweet Home passed away Wednesday in a Columbia Falls, Montana care home. She was the oldest of nine children born in Holley to John and Myrtle (Davis) Crocker.

She was raised in and around the Sweet Home area. Velma married her childhood sweetheart, Rex Earl “Scott” Dimick, on April 3, 1944. He gave his life for his country in the battle of Okinawa. From this union, her son, John Earl Dimick, was born. Velma raised her son with the help of the Crocker and Dimick families until she met Samuel E. Zook. She married Samuel on December 22, 1949 in Sweet Home. From this union came daughters: Rebecca Krabill; Naomi Byler; Eunice Gerig; and Rachel Good.

Velma was a stay-at-home mother until her children were grown. Her husband, Sam, died July 11, 1983 in Sweet Home. She then took care of her nieces, grandchildren, and great nephews. Velma worked for a short time as a substitute at the Foster Elementary School cafeteria. She really enjoyed serving in the lunch line.

She taught her children to cook, sew, and have a hobby to go to in troubled times and how to be a good example for their children, grandchildren, and others. Her passion was her family, planting flowers, and gardening. She canned the harvest to make ends meet in daily life and to be self-reliant.

Velma is survived by: her son, John Dimick (and wife, Janiece); daughters, Rebecca Krabill (and husband, Dennis), Naomi Byler (and husband, Lester), Eunice Gerig (and husband, Myron), and Rachel Good (and husband, Ken); sister, LaValle Updegrave (and husband, Norm); brothers, Dale Crocker (and wife, Shirley), Joe Crocker (and wife, Bev), Perry Crocker (and wife, Kay), and Steve Crocker; grandchildren, Marie Stokes, Viki Dimick, Rex Dimick, Carolyn Kronberger, Sarah Freund, Gwen Byler, John Byler, Jay Byler, Zane Byler, Ryan Gerig, Victoria Gerig, and Kami Good; 18 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; both husbands; sister, Vi Ferebee; brothers, Alvin Crocker and Ray Crocker; nephews, Stevie Crocker, Jack Ferebee, and Danny Ferebee; and grandson, Gentry Good.

Viewing will take place from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 19, 2012 at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. Graveside service will follow at 1:00 p.m., at Gilliland Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m., that afternoon at Sweet Home River of Life Fellowship, 1658 Long Street.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.