Velma O'Brien passed away October 19, 2021, at the Homestead Assisted Living Center in Rexburg at the age of 96.

She was born on June 17, 1925, in Tetonia, Idaho. Her parents were Mark and Hattie Hatch. She was the oldest but was later joined by Verl, Alice, and Laura.

She went to school at Tetonia Elementary and Teton High School where she graduated. She love attending school and learning.

A short time later she met a nice young man, William O'Brien, who had just returned from the Navy. On January 8, 1947, they were married in the Idaho Falls, Idaho Temple. Then it was back to Tetonia to start their new lives together.

They had 4 children, Mark, Shana, Vern, and Margaret.  Mark was killed in Vietnam. Her family and her religious beliefs were the most important things in her life. She loved working in the Idaho Falls Temple with William. Genealogy and writing life stories were her favorite ways to spend her time.

Mom loved to sew and made most of her children's clothes while making the patterns. Writing and reading poems were a few things she loved and she composed many beautiful poems.

She is survived by her children, Shana (Gordon) Whittaker, of Rexburg, Vern (Traleen) O'Brien, of Provo, Margaret (Nolan) Parson, of Teton; sister, Alice Miller of Idaho Falls; 16 Grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, William; son, Mark; parents, Mark and Hattie Hatch; brother, Verl Hatch; sister, Laura Wagoner.

A special thanks to the care givers and workers who treated her with love and respect. She enjoyed her time at The Homestead and loved to have anyone stop and visit with her. Thanks again!

Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Flamm Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10:00-10:45 a.m., Saturday, October 23, at Flamm Funeral Home, prior to funeral services.

Funeral services may be viewed here: https://youtu.be/yJXloXdfwS4