Velma was born in Kennewick, WA ninth of eleven children to Ida & Gilbert Avery. She graduated from Pasco High School in 1952 where she lettered in Tennis & was an editor on the year book staff. She enjoyed sewing, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, making beaded Christmas ornaments, & quilting. She donated her handmade hats for cancer patients and baby blankets for newborns to the hospitals. She also gave to several charities. She worked as a Keypunch IBM operator for Benton Co. PUD, and a data processor for Kadlec and Lourdes Hospitals until retiring. She peacefully passed away at home of natural causes with family at her side. She is preceded in death by her husband Ray Purser, her parents, and 9 siblings. She is survived by her daughter Pennie Bretz Saltz (Roy) Julie Purser, Jerry Purser (Deanna) Jeff Purser (Sherrie) Nikkie Purser Geiszler (Keith), 13 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and sister Janice Smith. We would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Chaplaincy Hospice and all of her "Friends" at Kennewick Fred Meyer. Funeral Services will be held at Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home on Union Thursday April 14th at 11:00 AM with viewing from 10:00 to 11:00.