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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Knobel, Velma Lee Miles

Age 82

KNOBEL, Velma Lee Miles (Age 82) On March 12, 2013, at the Pondera Extended Care Unit, Conrad lost a beloved and long-time member of its community.

A wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and teacher, Velma Knobel left an indelible mark on the many lives she touched.

Born in Bozeman, Montana, February 9, 1931, Velma was the only child of Julian and Alma Miles.

Velma’s Mother passed away when she was only six years old.

She was raised by her loving father, Julian.

She grew up in Bozeman, MT where she attended kindergarten through college.

She spent her high school summers in San Diego, CA with her father Julian and step-mother Mama Jane.

She graduated in 1953 from Montana State College (MSU) in Bozeman with her teaching degree.

She met her husband, George, while in college.

They were married August 2, 1953.

George died September 15, 2004 after 51 years of marriage.

For 25 years, Velma served the community of Conrad as a local school teacher at Utterback Middle School where she taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade English, Spelling, and Home Economics.

She also instructed in the school district’s GED (high school equivalency) program.

Velma, herself, was a student in life and loved to learn.

She marveled in the simplest things; clouds, four-leaf clovers, feathers, ocean waves, sea shells, birds, etc., but not horseback riding!

She enjoyed reading, cooking and sewing.

She loved to laugh.

She loved animals and babies, but most of all, she loved her family and friends.

Her unconditional love and unique ability to make people feel special will be her lasting legacy.

Velma is survived by her five children; Bob (Dava) Knobel of Bozeman, MT, Ben (Lynne) Knobel of Conrad, MT, Ted (Carolyn) Knobel of Menifee, CA, Steve (Jane) Knobel of Manhattan, MT, and Kathy (Phil) Hale of Cheney, WA; 19 Grandchildren; Bob’s children: Travis (Lauren ) Vick, Nathan (Kristen) Vick, Nicholas, Brian, and Megan Knobel.

Ben’s children: Sarah, Emily, Sam, Olivia and Eli Knobel and Hanna (Matt) Block.

Ted’s children: Wesley and Melanie Knobel.

Steve’s children: Craig, David, and Cheryl Knobel.

Kathy’s children: Aleshia (Dennis) Hoover, Michelle (Brian) Sandusky, and Kristen (Landon) Cunningham; and 15 great-grandchildren; Travis’s children: Tanner, Mason, and Parker Vick.

Nathan’s children: Natalie, Josephine, and Allie Vick.

Nicholas’s son: Lucas Knobel.

Hannah’s daughter; Elizabeth Block.

Craig’s daughter; Madison Knobel.

Aleshia’s children; Miles, Jillian, and Bennett (due June) Hoover.

Michelle’s children: Sullivan, Sela, and Lila Sandusky.

Kristen’s daughter: Adalyn Cunningham.

Velma is preceded in death by her husband, George Knobel and parents Julian and Alma Miles of Bozeman, MT and step-mother Jane Miles of San Bernadino, CA.

Funeral Service will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 106 S. Maryland St, Conrad with viewing from 1:00 - 2:00 PM and funeral at 2:00 PM, Friday, March 22, 2013 followed immediately by a burial service at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 179 Hillside Road, Conrad, MT.

Reception to follow.

Memorials can be made to Dollars for Scholars, P. O.

Box 787, Conrad, MT 59425.

WHITTED FUNERAL CHAPEL of Shelby is entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences may be posted at whittedfuneralchapel.com