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© Billings Funeral Homes
Reprinted with permission
Submitted by: Ann Weber
Velda McGinn, 89 year old former Woodward resident died Friday, September 18, 2020. Graveside memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, September 21, 2020 in the Elmwood Cemetery with the Billings Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Velda Dolores (Holt) Hagberg McGinn, was born on November 6, 1930 in Winfield, Kansas the daughter of Daniel Everett and Lois (Johnson) Holt. Velda grew up on the family farm, when she was in the seventh grade her dad sent her to town to live, so she could pump wells near her school on lunch break and recess. Her roommate, Lois Holt eventually became her sister-in-law marrying her older brother, Donald. Velda graduated from Winfield High School, she attended and graduated from Southwestern College of Nursing, earning her Degree as a Registered Nurse. Velda met Richard (Dick) Hagberg in nursing school. They were married before the Army shipped Dick off to Korea. Two children were born to this union, Richard Craig and Pamela Sue. The family moved to Woodward, Oklahoma in 1956 where they both pursued their careers in nursing. Richard passed away on September 15, 1969.
Velda was united in marriage at the First Presbyterian Church,Woodward to Charles Edmond (Chuck) McGinn on May 14, 1971; they made their home in Woodward. The couple also resided in Amarillo, Texas and returned to Woodward in 1999. Chuck passed away on April 26, 2017. Velda moved to Edmond in 2020 to be close to family.
Velda worked the night shift most of her career and delivered many babies before the Doctors arrived at the hospital; Besides William Newton Hospital in Winfield, KS, Velda worked at Woodward Memorial Hospital in Woodward, OK, 1956 until 1973; Palo Duro Hospital in Canyon, TX, 1973 until 1998 and Hereford Hospital in Hereford, TX, 1997 until 1999. Velda also did special duty nursing for Alan Rabe, 2002 until 2010. When she helped train new nursing students, she gained the nickname, (the drill sergeant) because she was known to make them cry. They all turned out to be the best nurses though!!
Taking care of other people exemplified the servants heart Velda had. This attribute came through in her nursing career. She was always a peace maker and loved with an unconditional heart. Some of the memories she spoke of most often were the vacation trips she and Chuck (aka Paps) took with their grandkids, visiting Carlsbad Caverns, Mount Rushmore and Washington DC. Mom was known for her witty sayings that she no doubt made up or learned from her fellow nurses in her early career. Those sayings have brought a lot of laughter to family and friends over the years. After retirement, Velda had the privilege of caring for Alan Rabe at Grace Living Center for 8 years with a number of other retired R.N.s, serving the health industry for the better part of 50 years.
Bargain hunting at garage sales was a favorite pastime on weekends. Pets, especially chow chows, were always a source of comfort and love throughout her life. Cooking, baking, crocheting were some hobbies but she most loved spending time with her family. Some highlights were taking an Alaskan cruise with her daughter, Christmas at her granddaughters and Thanksgiving at her grandsons home. She always felt twice blessed by sharing life with two good men that exemplified their love.
Velda is survived by her daughter, Pamela Clem of Edmond; daughter-in-law, Beverly Roberts; five grandchildren, Keri Chelf and husband Chad; Matt Clem and wife Lea; Kyle Hagberg; Bryan Hagberg; Tim Hagberg; four great-grandchildren, Colt Clark; Adyson Thomason and husband Seth; Abigail Chelf; Easton Chelf; sister, Jody (Holt) Bracken and husband George of Pawhuska; brother, John Holt and wife Sue of Wakefield, Rhode Island; several nieces, nephews, other family and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Lois Holt; husbands, Richard Dean Hagberg; Charles E. (Chuck) McGinn; son, Richard Craig Hagberg; brother, Donald Holt; son-in-law, Monty Clem; stepmother, June Holt.