Velma E. Piedt

Velma E. Piedt went home to be with her Lord and Savior on February 13, at Woodland Terrace Retirement Community in Bridgman, Michigan. Services celebrating her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2009 at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, Michigan with Pastor John Hosler officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 15 at the Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Velma was born on February 20, 1926 in St. Joseph, Michigan to Christian and Martha Behr. She graduated from St. Joseph High School as a member of the National Honor Society in 1944. She married Vernon Darrell Piedt on October 25, 1947 at Clay Street Baptist Church in Benton Harbor. Together they had three children, Susan, Stephen and Sheryl. Velma loved to teach and was a Paraprofessional for the Benton Harbor Public Schools from 1966-1989.She was a charter member of Napier Parkview Baptist Church in Benton Harbor since 1959. She was extremely involved in many church activities and ministries including Superintendant of both Sunday School and of the Young Peoples Groups. She sang in the church choir for over 30 years. Velma was an avid gardener and enjoyed knitting special gifts for her friends and family. She also loved swimming and was a member of the synchronized swimming team at the YMCA for several years. The greatest gift that Velma will be remembered for was that of her hospitality. Her passion was spending time in the heart of her home the kitchen; baking, cooking and entertaining. Velma is survived by her husband Vernon of 61 years. She is also survived by her three children, Susan Mueller (Larry) of Mason, Stephen (Barb) of Grand Rapids, and Sheryl (Drew) of South Haven. She was the grandmother of five; Brenton House (Lisa), Blake House (Kelly), Troy Kaptur, Hannah Piedt and Wade Kaptur, and the great-grandmother of eight. In addition to her parents Christian and Martha Behr (Nernberg) she was preceded in death by her brother, Edwin Behr. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, Michigan.