Velma Rose Helling left us on May 28, 2026 at the age of 95. She was born in 1930 in Bolivar, Missouri, to Henry and Lucille Sterling. In 1935, her family moved to Independence, Missouri, where she was raised and later graduated from William Chrisman High School.

Shortly after graduation, Velma met the love of her life, Leo Helling. They married in 1950 and soon welcomed their first two sons, Mike and Dennis. In 1958, the young family moved from Missouri to Centralia, Washington, where Leo and Velma later welcomed two more sons, Ken and Don.

Velma was known for her strong work ethic and warm spirit. During the 1960s, she worked at the Centralia Benjamin Franklin dime store before beginning a 27-year career at Yard Birds in 1967. She remained there until its closure in 1995, after which she retired. During retirement, she devoted several years to volunteering with the Lewis County Department of Health.

Velma enjoyed bowling leagues, gatherings at the Eagles Club and dancing. At home, she loved working crossword puzzles, reading, playing games on her computer, knitting, crocheting, baking cookies and cakes, and watching all kinds of sports on TV. Velma's favorite to watch by far was the Seattle Mariners. She attended many Mariners baseball games throughout the years. Before the Mariners existed, she enjoyed attending Tacoma Twins and local Centralia semipro baseball games.

Above all else, Velma cherished her family. She treasured time spent together and took special pride in making holidays - especially Christmas - joyful and memorable, always ensuring her children experienced the magic of the season.

During their retirement years, Velma and Leo moved to Stillwater Estates, where they thoroughly enjoyed the community and friendships they made there. They were longtime members of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centralia.

Velma was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Leo Helling; her parents, Henry and Lucille Sterling; her sister, Helen Bergin; her brother-in-law, Bob Bergin; and her son, Michael.

She is survived by her sons, Dennis (Janette) Helling of Eatonville, Ken (Kari) Helling of Sumner, and Don (Sonia) Helling of Seattle; niece and nephew Pam and Bob Bergin of Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren Kevin (Stephanie) Helling, Tim (Rebecca) Helling, Michele (Don) Kinney and Mike (Danielle) Kast; as well as several great-grandchildren and additional nieces and nephews.

Velma worked hard while valiantly facing several health challenges in recent years and was deeply appreciative of the care provided by her medical team. Her family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and friends at Stillwater Estates, Colonial Residence and Centralia Point Assisted Living for providing caring and supportive environments. They also extend sincere thanks to her medical team for their dedicated care throughout her health challenges.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Velma's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or St. Joseph School in Chehalis, Washington.

A funeral service will be held Friday, June 26, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centralia. The Rosary will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. A reception will follow in the church meeting hall, where light refreshments will be served.