Velda O'Neill

Velda O’Neill, age 81 of York, NE, died Tuesday, June 1, 2010 in York. She was born on April 10, 1929 in Dunkerton, IA to Thomas and Urania (Buker) Mather. Velda worked as a secretary most of her adult life. She was united in marriage to William Smedley on December 5, 1953 in Hollywood, CA. She later married Edward O’Neill in Creston, IA in October of 1973. Velda attended Arbor Drive Community Church in York and was a member of the Arbor Drive lady’s crafter’s fellowship. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, traveling, and was an avid reader.

She is survived by one daughter, Barb (Steve) Buller of York; three sons, Robert (Erin) Smedley of Dallas, TX, Rick (fiancé Cheri Hesse) Smedley of Waterloo, IA, Jim (Hilary) Smedley of Ankeny, IA; and step-daughter, Elaine Pullin of Waterloo, IA. Velda also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, Tammy (Tad) Johnson of Bradshaw, NE, Aubrey Buller of Denver, CO, Sydney Buller of Omaha, NE, Kylie Smedley, Jordyn Smedley, Toby (Lindsey) Smedley, Tyler (Emily) Smedley all of Waterloo, IA, Sienna, Karissa, and Elih Smedley all of Ankeny, IA. Four surviving great-grandchildren are Dietra and Justice Schropfer of Bradshaw, NE, and Callie and Macy Smedley of Waterloo, IA. Velda is survived by one brother, Gus Mather of Waterloo, IA, one step-brother, Keith Stokes of MN and lifelong friend Rose Muschick. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Ed, one step-brother and one step-sister.

Memorial services were held at 2:30 p.m., Friday, June 4, 2010 at Arbor Drive Community Church in York. Private family services will be held in Iowa at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the York General Hospital Oncology Wig Bank.