Velda Laverne Vial

Heaven received a beautiful soul when Velda Laverne Vial went to be with the Lord on March 19, 2015. Velda was born in Hamilton, Montana on July 6, 1932 to Bert and Nellie Bower. She attended schools in Butte and Deer Lodge and graduated in 1950 from Hamilton High School. Velda married her soul mate Virgil Vial in August 1950. Together, they had three children before Velda contracted polio in September 1955, which left her paralyzed on her right side. With determination, a strong will, and many corrective surgeries, Velda overcame many challenges with her disabilities. The family moved to Alaska in July 1956. Velda attended Alaska Business College and was lauded for typing 50 WPM with one hand on an old carriage return typewriter. She was employed by Pitney-Bowes for 10 years and was nationally recognized for her accomplishments, which included a letter from President Richard Nixon that she was very proud of. Velda returned to Hamilton in 1995 and has resided at the Bitterroot Manor since. Velda became active in the Hamilton Senior Center and was Secretary for several years and she was a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission as an advisor on accessibility for disabilities. Velda loved to crochet her whole life. She made hundreds of afghans and doilies for family and friends. She won many first place ribbons and was proud of her grand champion ribbons for her entries in the Ravalli County fair. She enjoyed making baby clothes and Barbie doll clothes, she always said that she was in her second childhood. Velda enjoyed playing games and cards and was a regular player in several pinochle groups. Velda was an outstanding cook.

Velda was preceded in death by her parents; seven older sisters; granddaughters, Caitlin Lovell Vial and Kimberly Upchurch Neuman; daughter-in-law, Jenifer Vial and her friend for life former husband Virgil Vial.

Velda is survived by her children, Mike Vial of Willow, Alaska, Mark Vial of Homer, Alaska and Karen Upchurch of Anchorage, Alaska; brother, Bert Bower of Hayden, Idaho; grandchildren, Kristal Upchurch, Suzanne Stead, Sandra Vial, Steven Vial, Samantha Emery, and Andrew Vial; eight great grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Summit Independent Living Center, 316 North 3rd Street, Hamilton, Montana 59840 where Velda was an active member in promoting awareness and advocating for accessibilities for people with various types of disabilities. Velda intended to accomplish as much as she could in her life and in the past couple of years she went river rafting, fishing, and camping. Velda loved to travel and especially liked visiting national parks and historical sites. Velda will be remembered for her sweet temperament, and positive, up-beat attitude even during her many struggles for independence. She was determined to do anything and everything "my own way, in my own time; I will get it done." Velda was an inspiration to hundreds of people in her lifetime. She was an amazing lady.