Obituary

Velata Jane Young, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on Tuesday, July 9th, 2024, in Bellingham, WA. Veleta was born on January 29, 1934, in Corn, Oklahoma to Jake W. Reimer and Bertha (Penner) Reimer. She graduated in 1952 from Ferndale High School. After graduating she worked as a bank teller and made her career at US Bank in Ferndale, WA where she eventually retired in 1992. During her 39-year career, she met her future husband Chester “Chet” Young. They were married for 34 years until he died in 2009.

Veleta was kind, and giving and loved art, gardening, photography, and traveling. Even though art had only been a hobby for her, she created many beautiful pieces that adorn the walls of numerous friend’s and family’s homes. From oil-painted landscapes to stained glass and floral arrangements. She poured her creativity into everything she did. Veleta traveled to see and photograph many parts of the world such as Europe, New Zealand, and China to name a few. She took pleasure in being a member of the Bellingham Harborview Lion’s Club for many years and loved to be involved in charity work. She made elaborate gift baskets for fundraisers and used her artistic skills to help decorate for special events. Her bright and caring presence will be missed.

Veleta is survived by her siblings, nieces, nephews, and stepchildren. Her brother; Wayne Reimer and his wife Betty; sister Shirley (Reimer) Patterson and husband Gary; niece Ellen Reimer; nephew David Reimer; nephew Eric Patterson and wife Tara; nephew Kevin Patterson and his wife Crystal; and her stepdaughter Kim (Young) Merriman and husband Scott.

A Celebration of Life will be held in a couple of months with the date to be determined.

Our family would like to thank the caregivers who watched over and became close with Veleta through the last years of her life. Kathy, Carla, Karen, Jaci, Lucy, Dawn, Laura and Desiree. As well as the nurses with Eden Hospice. Thank you for the love and care you gave our Veleta. She enjoyed your company and support each day you were with her.

If you would like to buy flowers, please consider donating instead to Whatcom Humane Society https://www.whatcomhumane.org/donate/ or Eden Hospice 316 E. Mcleod R., STE. 101, Bellingham, WA 98226, or Lighthouse Mission 910 W. Holly St. Bellingham, WA 98225.