OK Obits

©  The Bakersfield Californian
14 January 2004
Submitted by: Sandi Carter

Velma Aileene (Landers) Barnett

July 10, 1922 ~ January 10, 2004

Velma Aileene Landers was born on July 10, 1922, in the small town of Okemah, Oklahoma. She was the fourth daughter of Ellis Otho Landers and Leah Pearl Whitfield Landers. Velma was preceded in death by her three sisters, Bessie Johnson, Sibyl Harris and Faye Kanak. Velma is survived by her brother, Durward Landers.

Velma married Kenneth Barnett June 25, 1943. Kenneth Barnett passed away January 21, 2001, having celebrated 58 years of marriage. Velma and Kenneth are survived by two children, Keneita Coana Rockhold, currently residing in Bakersfield, and Tandee Aileene McFarland, presently living in China. There are five grandchildren: Bill Rockhold, Mike Rockhold, Ken Rockhold, Tony Thomas and Beverli Marshall. Velma also has five great grandchildren: Ashley, Mason, Shalley, Randi and Kennedy.

Velma has always loved politics and sports. She played on the basketball, softball and track teams at Pharoah High School in Pharoah, Oklahoma, where she graduated on May 17, 1940. She attended almost every class reunion for sixty four years. After World War II, Velma and Kenneth moved to the Naval Ordinance Test Station, China Lake, California, where Velma played on the women's softball team, served as room mother all through elementary school; Girl Scout Leader for both of her daughters, and leader of the VFW, Jr. Girls Unit. Velma worked in the Civil Service Supply Department for three years at N.O.T.S. and then worked as a secretary in the attendance office, counselor's office and Library at Burroughs High School, Ridgecrest, California, for sixteen years before she retired in 1971.

Upon retirement, Kenneth and Velma moved to Bakersfield, California where they enjoyed square dancing. Velma loved her family and never turned down a request. She worked hard for the Republican Party, Cancer Society and Alzheimer's support group. She will be remembered by her family for her generous heart, her love for the Lakers and her outspoken belief that the Republican Party would lead this nation in the right direction.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, January 14, at 3 p.m., at the Hillcrest Memorial Mortuary. Instead of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Mercy Cancer Center in thanks for all of the assistance and support that they gave to Velma during her illness.

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