In Memory
Velma Marie (Gelnett) Chasey
Velma Marie Chasey, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025, in Lafayette, Indiana, at the age of 98. Born July 30, 1926, in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Gerald Dean and Elsie Elizabeth (Schutz) Gelnett, she was a resident of South Bend until moving to Aster Place, an assisted living facility in Lafayette, in July 2022.
A 1943 graduate of Central High School in South Bend, Velma married Clarence Robert (Bob) Hatfield on April 26, 1947; he passed away on April 5, 1956. On January 4, 1958, she married Phillip George Chasey, who passed away on October 14, 1996. Upon her marriage to Phillip, she became a stepmother to his son James. A year later they welcomed David into the family.
Velma began her employment career while still in high school, working for Joe the Jeweler in South Bend. After graduation, she was hired by Albert Kahn, the president/owner of Electro-Voice Corporation. There she rose to the position of corporate secretary. Choosing to stay at home while raising David, she took a job as a corporate secretary at Radio Distributing after David started school. She stayed on in that role when Radio Distributing was acquired by PEI Genesis, retiring in 1989.
A lifelong bowler, Velma continued to bowl in senior leagues until the age of 92. She served for many years as secretary/treasurer for the Indiana State 500 Club. In 2016, she was inducted into the Indiana State Women’s Bowling Association Hall of Fame by the Indiana State USBC (United States Bowling Congress). In addition to bowling, Velma loved to fish for bluegill, especially on Corey Lake near Three Rivers, Michigan, with her mother and son David. An avid traveler, she enjoyed planning family vacations and going on cruises with friends and family. Velma also had a great time playing euchre and working jigsaw and crossword puzzles. Another of her favorite pastimes was playing the penny slots at the casino, often coming home with more change than she took with her.
Velma leaves behind a son, David A. Chasey of Lafayette; stepson, James C. (Julie Hemphill) Chasey of Frankfort, Illinois; grandchildren, Michael Chasey of Helena, Montana, Lauren Chasey of New Lenox, Illinois, and Karen (Samir) Patel of Naperville, Illinois; and great-grandsons, Krishna and Tejas Patel of Naperville, Illinois.
Visitation and funeral services will be held at Palmer Funeral Home – River Park Chapel, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 . Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and the funeral will follow at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Jo An Schaetzle from Zion Community Church will preside at the funeral service. Private interment will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park in Mishawaka, Indiana.
Memorial contributions in Velma’s honor may be made to Guardian Angel Hospice, 513 W. Lincoln Rd. Kokomo, Indiana 46902.
Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
01/03/2025 EJS
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