Velma Smith Barton, of Lipscomb County, passed away on Dec. 21, 2021. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Velma was born Sept. 19, 1938 to James Oliver Smith and Hazel Lee Ferguson Smith. She was the fifth of six children.
With her warm smile and love of people, she rarely met a stranger. Throughout her life and all of her activities, Velma was blessed with many wonderful friendships. She enjoyed baking and creating handmade art to share with friends and family.
Velma was generous with her time. She was active in the Booker Methodist Church and taught Sunday School and accolade classes. Velma volunteered with the Pink Ladies at the Perryton hospital, worked with hospice, and most recently helped with Meals on Wheels in Canadian.
She and her faithful companion, Pepper, were involved in an Animal Therapy program. Together they visited hospitals, nursing homes, and participated in the READ program at the elementary school in Booker.
An avid golfer, Velma was a member of the Canadian Ladies’ Golf Association, Tip Top of Texas Ladies’ Association, and Western Lone Star Sr. Ladies’ Golf Association.
Velma enjoyed life on the Barton ranch for over 50 years, traveling to rodeos to watch Mex and her children, working cattle, hunting for Indian artifacts and taking long walks through the pastures. Later, she kept numerous birds, bunnies and squirrels well fed and happy.
She is survived by her husband, Alex (Mex), of the home; son, Richard Hester and wife Beth of Amarillo; daughters, Deb Vandygriff and husband RJ and Shari Schinzler both of Lipscomb County; grandchildren, Sara Moore and husband Corey; Trey and Brody Schinzler; and Tony Thrasher; great-grandsons, Leo and Sage Moore; sister Carol Smith Beck of Texhoma, OK; sister-inlaw, Jo Blau of Lubbock; and numerous nieces and nephews, family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Don, Jim, and Jerry Smith, and sister, Joan Smith Driver.
In lieu of flowers, honor her friendship with a gift to the League House in Amarillo, or a charity of your choice.