Velma Thomas
On July 12, 2014 Jesus opened his arms and called on another precious angel to join him . We are sure he said, “Velma, it is time for you to rest and come home.” She was surrounded by loved ones, including daughters Tina Diaz Richards of Susanville, Tessa Lancaster of Nyssa, OR., granddaughter Charlina Lancaster of Nyssa, Or., sister Viola Salem of Lake Almanor, brother Marvin (Sonny) Harris of Westwood, nieces Shannon Salem Williams and Misty Salem, and great niece Sophia Williams, all from Lake Almanor.
She was born to the late David W. Harris of Oklahoma and the late Laura M. Henry Harris from Big Meadows, Ca. on May 21, 1945 in Westwood, Ca. She married and moved to Vallejo, CA where she had three daughters, Tina, Gina, and Tessa. She then moved back to Lassen County where she spent the remainder of her years. She was a Maidu native elder with the Susanville Indian Rancheria and very proud of her heritage.
Velma leaves behind her daughters Tina Diaz Richards of Susanville, Tessa Lancaster of Nyssa, OR., and Gina Roper of Payette, 10, grandchildren Jason Richards, Amanda Roper, Sarah Roper-Weeks, Dakota Lancaster, Caden Roper, and Charlina Lancaster. She was soon to be a great grandmother and we are sure she is holding her great granddaughter before she is born this year.
She is survived by brothers Marvin Harris of Westwood, Clyde Harris of Utah and sister Viola Salem of Lake Almanor as well as her only surviving aunt Li Madrid and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and great-great nieces.
Velma worked for Banner Lassen Hospital for the past 17 years and retired in April of this year. Her career at Banner was one that she loved and took great pride in her work. She loved to travel to Oregon several times a year to visit family and enjoyed traveling in general. Her hobbies were bowling, yard sales, shopping, Melodrama plays, old western movies and most of all spending time with her family. She was gifted in embroidery and quilting. She had a creative knack for quilting and presented her quilts as gifts to family and friends. Her quilts were awarded ribbons at the Lassen County Fair and she donated two quilts for the Relay of Life.
She is joining her siblings, Agnes Harris Miller, and Vera (Chic) Harris Dean, sons Duane F. Richards and Duane E. Richards, and first husband Duane (Rich) Richards and late husband, Mark Thomas passed away in 2011.
Family, friends and life made her happy. She leaves us with many wonderful memories.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Diamond Mountain Casino on Friday, July 25,2014 from 4 to 7 pm. A private graveside ceremony will be performed at a later date .
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