Velma Lee Cones

Velma Lee Cones, 89 a resident of the Fort Sumner valley for many years died Thursday, January 24, 2013 at Plainview Healthcare in Plainview, Texas. She was born September 12, 1923 in Ima, NM to the home of Harry Wesley and Dairy Alice (Smith) Caulkins. She attended schools in Ima and Corazon, NM. Velma married William Franklin “Bill” Cones in 1938 at Santa Rosa, NM. They made their home in the Fort Sumner valley in 1946. For over 25 years Bill and Velma worked together as truck drivers, transporting hay and supplies to the farmers in the Fort Sumner valley. They worked side by side farming, picking apples, cotton, and vegetables. Velma was a member of the First Baptist Church, and the Fort Sumner Senior Citizens Center. Velma enjoyed crocheting, quilting, and visiting with her friends. Velma’s favorite past time was hunting rocks; she made friends with many area ranchers who allowed her to hunt for rocks on their property. Velma was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and each of her grandchildren knows Velma “loved them the most”. Velma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband William “Bill” Cones on August 22, 2003, a son Jimmy Ray Cones in 1999, five sisters, three brothers, a daughter in law Patricia Cones in 2009 and two sons in law Bill Randleman in 1975 and Don Loflin. Survivors include two daughters Ruth Allas Randleman of Fort Sumner, LouAnna Loflin of Plainview, Texas, and a son Billy Lee Cones of Fort Sumner. Also surviving is a sister Mary Alice Branscum of Salem, Arkansas, 24 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, January 31, 2013, at the Fort Sumner Cemetery with Sister Anna Teeter officiating. Pallbearers will include John Loflin, Gene Loflin, Rick Joiner, Dustin Joiner, William O’Keeffe, and Randy Nichols. It was Velma’s request that memorial contributions be made in her memory to the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home, 1356 Hwy. 236, Portales, NM 88130. All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com