Velma Ruth Menear, age 79, of Sweet Home passed away Tuesday. She was born in Cheshire, Oregon to Elvin and Minerva (Bales) Myer.

Velma married Don Menear in Albany on April 20, 1946. She was a homemaker for many years, until she and Don purchased The Travel Center in Sweet Home. She ran the Trailways Bus Depot and health food store.

Velma was an excellent gardner. She canned anything and everything. She was an avid deer hunter. One time shot on her first deer. She loved going camping and garage selling with her children and husband. She enjoyed going to A&W everyday and visiting with everyone.

She raised Foster children and hosted exchange students for many years. She was a wonderful mother and loved her children and grandchildren so much. We will miss her wit and humor.

She is survived by her children, Jamie Shaw, Susy Fitzwater, and Donna Price—all of Sweet Home, Ronda Ekleberry of Lebanon, and Randy Menear of New Mexico; sister, Jessee Johnson of Sweet Home; brothers, Edward Myer of Independence and Kenneth Myer of Redding, California; 10 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; two foster children, Lori and Jimmy; and her good helper and family friend, Terry Walker.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Lillie Gewecke and Marjory Lucas; and granddaughters, Shauna Menear and Taylor Holly.

A viewing will be 4:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, December 5, at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. Service will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 6, at Sweet Home Evangelical Church.

In leiu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the East Linn Museum and Meals on Wheels.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling services.