BUSSE - Velma Mariece passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2009, at the Gull Lake Special Care Center, beloved wife of James “Jim” Busse, at the age of 81 years. Besides her loving husband Jim, Velma is survived by her children Terry (Pat) Busse, Jill (Bentley) Gibson; grandchildren Andy (Ruby) Busse, Angie (Mike) Hughes, Raymond (Melissa) Gibson, Jamie (Daryl) Lockyer; great-grandchildren Braden and Kyle Busse, Riley and Alyssa Hughes, Avery, Hanna and Abby Gibson; as well as a large extended family. Velma was predeceased by her son Vic; all her siblings Geneviene, Clyde, Harold, Ken, Vaughn, Charlie, Jack and Carl; and grandchild Cassidy Gibson. Velma was born on April 5, 1927, to Morvin and Rose Hay in Gull Lake. Velma grew up on the family homestead and attended school in town. She was the youngest of nine. When Velma entered her teens her and her Mom moved to town. After completing school she entered the work force working at Hymen’s Store. It was not long after that a farmer from the bench caught her eye. Jim and Velma met and then were married on November 1, 1945, only after all of her brothers returned home from WWII. Together they farmed and lived south of Gull Lake on the bench until 1969 were they then moved to the flat to continue to farm. Velma had many enjoyments in life; she had an amazing green thumb which showed through her gardening and flowers, knitting, crocheting, sewing and crafting. She was an incredible host to many family gatherings and too many cherished friends. We will all miss the Velma we knew and loved. A funeral service was held at 2:00 P.M., on Friday, March 27, 2009, at the Knox United Church, with Reverend Bev Diduck. Millie Spagrud played the piano, Nora Rudolph played the organ, Floyd Collier, King Gin played the saxophones, Allan Collier played the drums in the prelude music which we know Aunt Velma would have enjoyed greatly, as well as accompanying the United & Community Church Choir, whom sang: the pre-lude hymns In the Garden and the recessional hymn Morning has Broken. Andy Busse (Velma’s oldest grandchild) gave a tribute to Grandma (who did an amazing job), followed by Heather Wiens sang How Great Thou Art, accompanied by Ellen Wiens. Velma’s grandchildren acted as pallbearers: Andy and Ruby Busse, Angie (Mike) Hughes, Raymond (Melissa) Gibson and Jamie (Daryl) Lockyer. Del Collier and Dick Hay were ushers. Velma’s interment took place immediately following her funeral service at the Gull Lake Cemetery, family plot, followed by a time of fellowship at the Elk’s Community Hall. Thank you to everyone who took part in Velma’s life, we hope all, will remember her as the fabulous and amazing woman she was. A very special Thank you to everyone at the Gull Lake Special Care Home, our family appreciates your care more than all of you will ever know. As well thank you to everyone who took part in Velma’s funeral, it was great tribute to her, thank you. Memorial donations may be made in Velma’s memory to the Gull Lake Special Care Home Auxiliary, P.O. Box 539, Gull Lake, SK, S0N 1A0. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Daryl and Jamie Lockyer of Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd., 1-800-382-2901, www.mbfunerals.com , 610-4th St. S. Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4P3.