Velma Jean Pettey

Velma Jean Pettey of Mantorville, Minn., passed away Wed., Dec. 7, 2016 at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Marys Campus in Rochester, surrounded by her family.

Pettey came into this world in a snowstorm, Feb. 2, 1936 on the small farm that is now Oxbow Park, outside of Byron, Minn. Her parents were Miles and Frances Brannan.

Velma and Robert (Sam) Pettey were married in Byron on June 8, 1957, and spent most of their married life on a small farm near Mantorville.

She worked as a nurse assistant at Dr. Elliott’s office in Hayfield, Minn., and later drove school bus for Kasson-Mantorville Schools for 31 years. She truly loved all the kids on her routes.

She was active in 4-H, Dodge County Saddle Club, and later the Mantorville Senior Citizens. She loved attending all sports and school events related to her grandchildren and was their most ardent fan.

Survivors include her husband, Sam; four children, Jean (Ted) Bartel of Wasioja, Alan (Caryn) of Kasson, Daniel of Hayfield and Ruth of Mantorville; six grandchildren, Amber (Dhia) Mansour of Germany, Nicole (Ryan) Miller of Milwaukee, Danita (Allison) Hazel of Winona, Minn., Kyle of Kasson, Levi of Pine City, Minn., Samantha of Winona; five great-grandchildren, Rania, Aziz, Rihem, Muhammed Yassin (all of Germany), and Samuel of Milwaukee; and two siblings, Lois (Kenneth) Nash of Dodge Center and Cecil (Nancy) Brannan of Kasson. She is preceded in death by her parents and one sibling, Glen (Pauline) Brannan.

Velma’s family will host a Celebration of Life at the Wasioja creamery on Sunday, Jan. 8, from 2 – 5 p.m.