Velda Hiebert

Services for Velda Klein Hiebert, 100, who died June 6, were Monday at First Mennonite Church in Hillsboro. Jost Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Born Dec. 16, 1924, to Ephraim J. and Agnes (Hein Foth) Klein, she grew up on a farm in the Ebenfeld community and was baptized by G.W. Lohrenz at Ebenfeld Church.

She attended both regular school and German school and spoke both English and low German.

At age 17, she moved to Hillsboro with her family then to Albuquerque to help her sister’s family, returning to Hillsboro to work four years for dentist Herbert Eitzen.

She met husband Melvin Hiebert when he had dental work done. In 1947, she moved to Manitou Springs, Colorado, where Melvin and his brother had bought a gas station. She married Melvin at Colorado City, where she pumped gas and worked as a restaurant cashier.

The couple moved back to Hillsboro in 1948. After sons Jack and Edward reached high school, she worked for the local hospital for 30 years, retiring as central supply technician. She then became a full-time quilter, with clients nationwide and winning prizes at county and state fairs. She also volunteered at Hillsboro Senior Center, Et Cetera Shop, and Camp Mennoscah.

Fourteen half-brothers and sisters preceded her in death.