Velma Elizabeth Crosby, 100, passed away on March 10, 2021 surrounded by her beloved family. She was born April 1, 1920 in Stigler, Oklahoma to John Cleveland and Emma Ary. She was the only girl and had eight brothers, Dave, Earl, Gene, Howard, Charlie, OB, JD, and JR who followed her everywhere. Howard told folks that she kept them in line at Church by giving them "The Eye". Velma loved playing "ball" and left school in the 10th grade to play softball and to help take care of her little brothers. In 1939 she married John Henry Crosby and they settled into Brookin, Oklahoma where they started their family. They were blessed with six children- Jay (JH), Clyde, Charlene (Sissy), Patsy, Earlene, and Jean. They moved to California in the 50's and eventually settled into Hamilton City. Velma spent many years working at Mills Orchard and then went to work at Steele's Grocery Store as a butcher. She loved feeding people and everyone was welcomed at her table. She always said "It's not much, but you're welcomed to it!" She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, and loved taking them fishing and having a picnic. All of the grandchildren and great grandchildren begged to stay the night at her house where she would feed them, Biscuits and Chocolate Gravy. She always wanted the little ones around her house and kept treats in the bottom of her refrigerator for them. She and John Henry had Sunday Dinner for all the family at their house and every week it was packed with family enjoying each other's company. Right to the last, she walked everyone to the door when they left and made sure they were safe in their cars as she waved goodbye saying "Love you little, love you big, love you like a little fat pig". Grandma Crosby would always say "Me and Henry, we raised some good kids". She loved old time country music and gospel hymns. Grandma Crosby also loved quilting and spent many enjoyable days sewing with Charlene. She loved flowers and working in her garden. She always had a positive attitude and great sense of humor. She appreciated everything and no matter what you gave her to eat she thought it was the best thing ever had.

In addition to her parents, Velma was preceded in death by her husband, John Henry Crosby, and Seven of her brothers. Velma is survived by her brother JR Ary, her children Jay Crosby (Ines), Clyde Crosby, Charlene Boone, Pasty Crane (Larry), Earlene Decker ( Steve), Jean King Tracy (Larry), 16 grandchildren, 49 great- grandchildren, and 1 great-great- grandson.

A viewing will be held under the direction of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary, Thursday March 18, 2021 from 1-4 PM. A Celebration Of Life will be Friday March 19, 2021 at the Orland Cemetery District at 12:30 PM.

Our Family would like to express our appreciation for the care and compassion provided by Enloe Hospice for our loving Mother.