Velda Fay McCammon, age 88, a longtime resident of Colville, WA passed away on July 17, 2022, in Colville, WA. Velda was born on March 24, 1934, in Almena, Kansas the daughter of Everett Lloyd and Nellie Mae Bell (Jarvis) Holland.

Velda was the second of three daughters. They were lovingly known as the three V's, Vivian, Velda, and Virginia. Velda was 8 months old when Everett and Nellie left the dust storms in Kansas for NE Washington State. From 1934 thru 1940 the family moved around between Spokane, Colville, Marcus, Bossburg and Clayton. They finally settled in Colville.
Velda graduated as a 12-year senior from Colville High School in 1952. She was involved in many organizations throughout her education including, President of the Girls Club, Glee Club, SATB, Band, Pep Band, ASB secretary, Student Council, Homeroom Officer, Past president of Bowling, GAA, Play Cast and was a representative to Girls State in Ellensburg. She also sang in the Operetta, Tripple Trio and was involved in the Annual Staff as the art director and Layout Editor. She was awarded Junior Prom Queen and Rep. for Skookum Queen. This was the beginning of a dedication to community that would continue through her lifetime.
Velda married her childhood sweetheart Bill in 1954. They started their family with the birth of Lorri in 1956 and moved to Spokane that same year. In Spokane Bill worked for the State Highway Dept. and Velda began her career in accounting at Western Chemical. She loved accounting. She went on to work for Shell Oil Employees Credit Union and Safeway Employees Credit Union. In Spokane the family grew with the birth of Linda in 1959 and Billy in 1962.
Velda was always an entrepreneur. While working in accounting during the day she started selling products like Sarah Coventry Jewelry and Minnesota Woolens at in-home shows. Velda was an active participant in her children's lives as a Campfire Girls leader, Scouting Den Mother, active PTA participant, and always supported them in their pursuits.

Velda and Bill wanted to start their own business and after looking at several options decided to purchase the 17 bed "Holland Nursing Home" from Velda's mother after the death of her father. In 1970 they started operating the newly named Buena Vista Nursing Home. While still living and working in Spokane they'd come to Colville on weekends and work at the home. The children were put to work also. During this same period Velda added a Licensed Practical Nurse degree to her accounting skills.

The family moved back to Colville full time in June of 1972. They expanded Buena Vista to a 40 bed skilled nursing facility. The expansion work was completed in the fall of 1973. Velda became a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and Bill continued working for the State Highway Dept. as the Colville area Maintenance Superintendent. They stayed extremely busy with the nursing facility and raising children, but Velda also found time to be actively involved in Soroptimist, Lady Elks.

Lorri returned to work at Buena Vista in 1980, and Linda in 1982. There were health concerns for Velda and an option for Bill to retire early in 1982. He took the option and they became "Snowbirds" in 1983. They split their time between Yuma Arizona, and Colville.
During this time Velda started painting, crafting, and quilting. Velda became a skilled painter in both oils and watercolors. She perfected her skill by taking classes in Yuma and Colville. She also loved to golf with Bill and the many friends they made through the sport. They traveled

extensively across the US and beyond, often using golf courses and tee-times as their tour guide.

In the early 90's Buena Vista, the corporation they started, expanded to include retirement apartments and became one of the first contracted Assisted living facilities in state. The facility continued to grow and a New Buena Vista Skilled and Assisted Living facility was built. It opened in June of 1998.

Velda passed away at her Assisted Living Apartment in the nursing facility started by her mother and father, and expanded by her own family. The same facility in which her mother passed away.
Velda spent the majority of her life living and working within an area no more than 4 acres in size. Our family refers to this acreage as the Buena Vista Complex. There were a mere 15 years spent in Spokane. Her childhood sweetheart spent much of his childhood right with her. Their life was like a fairytale. From this small piece of land, from childhood to death it seems that all their dreams became true.

Velda was preceded in death by her husband, Bill McCammon, son-in-law, Steve Cox and her sister, Vivian Marx.

She is survived by her two daughters, Lorri Carter (Scott) of Colville, Linda Cox-Junker (Dave) of Colville, son Bill McCammon (Tracey) of Spokane, WA; grandchildren, Kristi Bushnell (Jason), Angie Vaagen (Kurtis), Jason Cox (Blanca), Josh Cox (Melissa), Casey Cox (Tiara), Brandi Simundson (Jeff), Michael McCammon (Stacia); great-grandchildren, Carter, Bryce, Kylee, Rilynn, Kellen, Natasha, Tatiana, Steven, Carson, Kenzie, Ellie, Ardyn and Averee; her sister, Virginia Jensen of Colville; and a host of extended family and friends.

The funeral service for Velda F. McCammon will begin at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 15, 2022 at the Ag-Trade Center in Colville, WA. A graveside service and vault interment will follow at the Mountain View Park Cemetery in Colville, WA. Pastor Shane Moffitt will officiate. Memorial contributions may be given to the Buena Vista Healthcare Landscape Fund. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com .

Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.