Velma Berniece Riggs Douglass, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, returned to the arms of her loving Father in Heaven on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005, in Logan, Utah.

Velma was born on a beautiful fall day at the family home in Millville on Oct. 14, 1915, the first child and daughter of Alma LaVern and Dora Marie Winborg Riggs. She was raised on the family farm and wasn't afraid of hard work; topping beets, milking cows and hauling hay. She and her sister, Helen, worked together, played together and loved being mischievous.

She loved music and was an accomplished violinist. She enjoyed playing with the USU Orchestra for the operas and musicals held at the old Capital Theatre.

She graduated from Utah Agriculture College in 1937 in elementary education and taught third and fourth grades at the Millville Elementary School. She returned to college later in life and received her certificate in special education. She taught at the Cache Training Center for seven years. She had a special place in her heart for the special education children and showered them with love, and they returned their love to her with hugs every morning as she greeted them.

She loved people and especially her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and everyone who stepped through her doorway, many times giving them a gift to go home with; painted dishtowels, one of the dolls from her collection and always cookies or candy for the children. Not only did she love the young children but she loved the elderly as well. She took care of many elderly throughout the valley as a caregiver. The stranger on the street was welcome in her home and they quickly became a friend. She truly had the pure love of Christ.

She married Howard Blaine Douglass and together they brought five of Heavenly Father's children into their home to love and raise. One son and four daughters, Gaydra Berniece Douglass Hardman (Cyril), Bonnie Ruth Douglass Lower (Bruce), James Blaine Douglass (Jolene), Genette Marie Douglass King (Randy) and Karren Douglass Hendricks (David). She is survived by one sister, Cloteele Stewart (Clyde); and one brother, Alma LaVern Riggs (Gladys). She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister and a great-granddaughter. She was the grandmother to 19 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was a special grandma who adored children and loved playing dolls, games and cars with all of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. All the children who visited her home quickly became her friend and knew where to find the toy box and cookie jar. She was the best pen pal a missionary could have and loved writing every week to her grandsons and granddaughters who served missions.

She enjoyed crocheting, embroidery and crewel work, and was an artist who enjoyed painting trees.

"Only God can make a tree, I just love trees, with or without leaves," she so often said.

She also enjoyed painting flowers and scenery.

Velma was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in the Primary and Relief Society. She had a testimony of her Lord and Savior and truly loved him.

We love you, Mother dear, and will miss you so very much, but look forward to the day we can be together forever. Thank you for being a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

The family wishes to express thanks to the sweet nurses and doctor that took such loving care of her the past few days.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, Sept. 3, at the Allen-Hall Mortuary Chapel. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the mortuary, and from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services on Saturday. Interment will be in the Smithfield City Cemetery.