Velma Mildred Romine Webster

Velma Webster

Velma was born July 29, 1938, at Harborview Hospital in Seattle, Washington. She grew up in the South Park area of Seattle, daughter of Gertrude Mildred Ramsey Romine and Doy Leland Romine.

Velma attended Harrison and Concord grade schools and graduated from Cleveland High School in 1957. Velma’s first job was at a magazine company, Keystone Reader Service, coordinating a distribution route for the sales team, on the 16th floor of Seattle’s Smith Tower.

Velma met her husband of 57 years, George Robert Webster (deceased) on a blind date. After driving Velma home from work one day, George described his first impression of Velma in a few short words, “I went, I saw, I like”.  They married at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Snohomish, WA in February 1961. In 1967, Velma and George loaded their young children, Robert G. Webster and Robin K. Webster, into their 1953 Ford and drove from Seattle to Washington DC for George to start work with the EPA. After several years living on the east coast and a year living in Michigan, the family moved back to Seattle “God’s County”, where Velma continued to raise her children.

Velma was the epitome of a stay-at-home mom. A job she excelled at. As her kids grew older, Velma worked retail at Kmart until finding her calling, working at a daycare taking care of 8 newborns. Velma excelled with babies. Her patience, gentle manner and love for little ones made her a blessing for every working parent. Velma retired from childcare and later enjoyed using her honed abilities to spoil her lucky grandchildren.

Velma starting quilting in her later years and leaves her children and grandchildren dozens of beautiful handmade quilts. Velma loved old movies and tv shows, Gone with the Wind, the Sound of Music and the Waltons were some of her favorites. Velma spoke fondly of her youth taking tap dance lessons at the South Park Field House and riding the bus with her 3 sisters downtown to see a movie with the five cents from her father. Velma excelled at “power shopping” and had a special appreciation and love for sparkly jewelry. Velma liked long drives to nearby cities and enjoyed trips to several international destinations including Sweden, France, Canada, Mexico, and Thailand.

Velma passed away peacefully on January 28, 2024, at the age of 85, after a courageous year and a half struggle against pancreatic cancer. Velma was diagnosed in 2022 and began chemotherapy soon after. Velma had amazing doctors and treatment that allowed her an extra year to spend with her family and friends.

Especially memorable was a trip to Ocean Shores with her daughter Robin, and her sister and niece.  She loved walking on the windy beach with the seagulls flying, strolling the town eating ice cream and browsing through the antique stores. She reminisced about past visits to Ocean Shores with her husband George, in particular, a visit before they married when they slept on the beach and went clamming during the day. More than anything, Velma loved being a mother.  She loved her daughter. She loved her son, and she loved her grandchildren. Velma was gentle by nature with a quiet strength that was evident in raising her children and in her final years fighting against cancer. She will be greatly missed.

Velma is survived by her son Robert G. Webster; daughter Robin K. (Webster) Rayfield; son-in- law Brian M. Rayfield and grandchildren, Allison K. Webster, Christopher R. Webster, Phillip J. Webster, Grant A. Rayfield and Jacqueline G. Rayfield. Velma was proceeded in death by her husband George R. Webster.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 10, at 1PM at the home of her daughter, Robin Webster Rayfield.

A graveside service will be held prior for immediate family only at Holyrood Cemetery.