Velda Ruth Teel
September 18, 1916 - October 10, 2008
Obituary
Velda Ruth Nichols Teel passed away October 10th. She was born September 18, 1916 to Bertram Nichols, 1884-1968 and Maude Stewart 1883-1975 in Sacramento, CA.
After graduation from Sacramento High School, she worked at the telephone company. While visiting in Fallon, NV, she met James Arthur Teel and they were married on June 21, 1937 in Sacramento, CA. They relocated to Burien in 1944 to work for Boeing. For 49 years, Velda enjoyed living in the house they designed and built together. He passed in 1984 after 47 years of marriage. Velda loved traveling Italy and volunteering at: PTA, Griffin Home for Boys, Burien Little Theater/Art Gallery.
Velda leaves a daughter, Ronda, and Sister Ernabeth Green.
A memorial will be held at a private residence, November 1st.
On behalf of Friends of Youth/Griffin Home, we would like to express our warm thoughts for Velda and remember the wonderful contributions she made to help the boys at the Griffin Home. Especially she will be remembered for her management of the Thrift Store which supported our agency.
I last spoke with in May, she was recovering from a broken arm. She mentioned she had several boxes of Griffin memoriabilia. I would like to make arrangement to collect these items, if possible.
I sent Howard Finck and email about her passing after I heard today. We are sorry to have missed her memorial service.
My deepest sympathy to Velda’s family and closest friends for the loss of one so dear to your hearts. Velda was a delightful lady whom I came to know many years ago through our mutual interest in the Burien Arts Association. She had a ready, warm smile and upbeat attitude that never failed to postively affect everyone around her. As a long-time Burien Arts Gallery customer, and for the past several years a Burien Arts Association Board member and Gallery volunteer, I very much appreciate Velda’s ongoing support and commitment to the Gallery and the Association. Her enthusiasm for and appreciation of the arts coupled with her zest for getting the most out of life will be sorely missed by all of us.