On July 30, 1932, Velma Darlene was born into the family of Burt and Nellie Brummel in Burnips, Michigan. Velma was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on January 14, 2019, at the age of 86 after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer’s, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Brummels were a tight-knit family with five girls and three boys. Velma graduated from Godwin High School. She and her husband, Donald Covey, raised three children – Lori, Dan, and Lisa – until his passing in 1968. In 1973, Velma and Alvin VanderKlay were married, and she welcomed three step children – Beth, Randy, and Lisa. Velma was a kind and thoughtful woman, a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, and was very strong in her faith. She was the best-dressed person in the room! She had a fabulous sense of humor – when she was with her sisters, it was a virtual giggle-fest! Children were so precious to Velma – there was always one on her lap or in her arms! She kept an immaculate home and cottage, prepared wonderful meals, entertained frequently, all the while working during the week, knitting and crocheting, tending her flowers, volunteering with Right to Life hotline, and being a faithful church member. Over the years, she worked for places including Keeler Brass and Mass Builders. Until just a few years ago, Velma walked four miles a day – enough miles to have circled the globe (at least once)! She was the “Puzzle Queen” – putting together puzzles until just days before she passed away. Velma was predeceased by her parents; sisters: Ruth Post, Irene DeBoer, Bernadine Wassink; brothers: Don Brummel, Clay Brummel, and Marv (Red) Brummel. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Alvin; sister, Maxine (Odie) DeJonge; children: Lori Ross, Dan (Lori) Covey, and Lisa (Tim) Delano; step-children, Beth (Jeff) Bourdo, Randy (Donna) VanderKlay, Lisa (Dave) Knobloch, along with 17 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. The family would like to thank Hospice and Yorkshire & Stonebridge Manor for their care of Velma. Finally, we are ever so grateful for Sandy Widdis, for her unparalleled love, compassion, and dedication to Alvin and Velma. The funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood. Interment Rest Lawn Memorial Park.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions made to Spectrum Health Hospice would be greatly appreciated. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com.