Velma Slaathaug

Velma Slaathaug of Summit, passed away on March 27, 2021, at the Milbank Area Hospital-Avera. 

Velma Josephine Padgett was born on November 22, 1922, in Salem, SD, to Herbert and Carrie (Gapp) Padgett. She lived in Salem until the age of three, when she moved to the Marvin-Summit community with her parents. Velma attended country schools in Grant County, and graduated from Summit High School. She received teacher certification from Northern State Teacher’s College in Aberdeen.

Velma married Vernon Slaathaug on June 28, 1946, at Hope Lutheran Church in Summit. Velma and Vernon lived on a farm north of Summit, where they raised their children, Allan and Jeanette. She taught in rural schools in Grant and Roberts Counties for 14 years.

Velma was a long-time member of Hope Lutheran Church. She was an active volunteer and held many positions at the church. Velma loved quilting and made quilts for each of the grandkids and baby quilts for all 22 great-grandkids.

Velma is survived by her children: Allan (Kay) Slaathaug of Wilmot, SD; Jeanette (Jerry) Larsen of Sisseton, SD; grandchildren: Gregg (Tina) Slaathaug, Travis (Lauren) Slaathaug, Brett (Esther) Slaathaug, Brittni (Mike) Cordingley, Michelle (Dave) Mills, Joshua (Shelley) Larsen, Jordan Larsen, Jeremiah (Karen) Larsen; 22 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vernon; daughter, Sharon; brothers: Lyle Padgett, Kenneth Padgett, and an infant brother.