Velma Rozella Burtenshaw

Velma Burtenshaw, of Shelton, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother passed away at the Sage Groves Assisted Living Center in Rigby, May 26, 2016 due to age related illnesses. She was born July 12, 1926 at the home of her parents, Albert William Ferguson and Edith Cleverly Ferguson. She grew up and attended schools in Rigby, Idaho. She loved playing the saxophone in the band and being in the marching club. She had a gift for spelling, shorthand and bookkeeping. After graduating from Rigby High School, she worked for Rexall Drug, Challenge Creamery and as a secretary for an attorney in Idaho Falls. She then moved to California with her brother to work in an airplane factory. Velma was married to Clyde Alan Burtenshaw on April 30, 1947 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Both Velma and Clyde liked singing and dancing together. Velma loved being a farmer’s wife, especially taking care of new born calves on their dairy farm. She loved the experience of working side by side with her husband, children and grandchildren. She and her husband felt a farm was a good place to raise a family and to teach their children the value of hard work and responsibility. Velma was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; she served in many capacities and organizations including the Primary and Relief Society and as chorister and stake dance director. Even though she had several callings, being a Sunbeam Teacher and serving children was her favorite thing to do. Velma and Clyde also served in the Valdosta, Georgia Mission. Keeping the family close was very important to both her and her husband. She enjoyed spending time with them farming and teaching her daughters homemaking skills. She was an excellent cook and the hired hands looked forward to her lunches and dinners. She loved to make special dinners on holidays and was extremely happy when her children and their families could attend. She looked forward to the annual Red Fish trips that she and her husband started nearly 40 years ago. The tradition still continues for the Burtenshaw families today. Surviving are her children: Craig (Karma) Burtenshaw, of Ucon, Idaho, Sandra (Richard) Horne, Sharon (Kevin) Arave, both of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Rodney (Sherry) Burtenshaw of Wanship, Utah, Chris (Alisa) Burtenshaw, of Pahrump, Nevada, 23 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Clyde Burtenshaw, her sister, Elsie, brothers, Claude, Ernest, Frances, daughter, Karen and granddaughter, Heidi. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 3, 2016 at Ririe LDS Stake Center (14061 North 130 East with Bishop Jeff Sutton of Shelton Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday at Ririe Stake Center, and from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., prior to services, both at the church. Burial will be in the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery. Services are under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby. The family extends a special thanks to Sage Grove Assisted Living Center and to Hands of Hope Hospice for their tender and loving care.