Velma Jean Mart Harbaugh, age 90, of Jordan passed away on Monday, July 8, 2024 at her home in Jordan.
Velma was born on September 18, 1933, in Jordan, Montana, on a memorable day in Jordan’s history, the day that much of the town burnt down. In fact, even the doctor was busy fighting the fire and missed her delivery. She was the youngest of 11 children born to Pearl and Elsie Mitchell Mart, 10 of whom grew to adulthood. The family homestead was west of Jordan near Smokey Butte. Velma’s parents moved from the homestead to Jordan in 1939 where Velma attended school. She was a cheerleader in high school while holding down her job at Fosters Drug Store as a soda jerk. In 1947 Velma was asked to be one of the models in a Chevrolet promotion that took place in Jordan with photos being published in Look magazine.
Graduating high school in May of 1951 was her second exciting adventure that spring as she had married her high school sweetheart Carl Harbaugh on April 1 prior to graduation. Following graduation Velma left the comforts of the big town of Jordan to move to the Harbaugh Ranch and inhabit the partial dug out bunkhouse as their first home. By 1953 the couple had started building their new home on the ranch as well as beginning their family; their daughter Sandra Jean was born March 15 of that year. Followed by Wade Lee in December of 1954, Tony Carl in September of 1957, and Shane Scott in August of 1964. Velma sewed, knitted, and cooked for not only her family but friends and relatives throughout the years. She enjoyed painting and has shared her works with her kids and grandkids.
Carl was her personal pilot and she loved to fly with him, going so far as to take flight lessons, not so much to become a pilot but to be able to land the plane if she ever needed to. She was involved in many local organizations including the Fair Board, elections judge, and a church elder with the Presbyterian church to name a few. Carl and Velma moved from the main ranch to the Riley place along the Big Dry in 1987. During the following years they enjoyed traveling to Arizona, Texas, and other warmer climates during the winter months, settling on Casa Grande, AZ, as their favorite hangout. Carl and Velma eventually moved into Jordan in 2010. After losing her husband of 64 years in 2015, Velma enjoyed visits from friends and family including her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Velma was a woman who cherished family above all else and treated all additions as if they were her own. She saw her greatest accomplishments in raising her family. She did not raise her children to be rich, she raised her children to be happy and realize that true value lies in cherishing those whom you love the most. Velma was blessed to spend her life in such a caring community and the family would like to especially thank Phyllis (Sis) Berry for her loving in home care that enabled Velma to remain in her home until her passing.
Velma was proceeded in death by her husband Carl, her parents Pearl and Elsie Mart, and her 10 siblings; brothers Wren, Thamar, Roy, Homer, Pearl, and Dee; sisters Sophia, Vera, Lucille, and Monta.
Velma is survived by her children Sandy Cameron (Al); Wade Harbaugh (Bev); Tony Harbaugh (Lori); Shane Harbaugh (Holly); 11 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren; her sister-in-law Virginia Mart; brothers in law Gene Harbaugh (Ellen) and Don Harbaugh (Donna); and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Family will receive friends on Friday, July 12, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church in Jordan. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the VFW Hall in Jordan. Private family interment will be held on the family ranch. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Garfield County Ambulance Service.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday July 12, 2024
Community Presbyterian Church
Jordan, Montana 59337
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday July 12, 2024
Community Presbyterian Church
Jordan, Montana 59337
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Donovan Currey says
Harbaugh Family,
Velma was a beautiful lady that will be missed by many. I have fond memories of my younger days out at the ranch, and Velma was always excited to add another plate to the table for me. Later, whenever I returned to Jordan and had the chance to bump into Velma at the store, or wherever, she always had that huge smile of hers and a big hug. I am sure Carl and her are sharing laughs and hugs together in Heaven. Peace and prayers, Donovan & Heather Currey
Karen Barnes says
Hugs to all of Velma’s family – So many memories of Velma through the years – lots of holiday dinners spent at Uncle Wren’s from growing up years and later with our families. Many fun filled card parties in later years. She was always such a happy person to be around with her big smile and good nature and was such a kind person. She will be missed by so many. May all your good memories be a comfort to you at this sad time. God Bless all
Cheri Hafla says
All of Velma’s Family,
Our deepest sympathy to each of you, remember the good times. She was a wonderful woman, always enjoyed visiting with her.
Love and prayers, Tim and Cheri Hafla
Jackie Currey says
Oh dear Velma…. You were an amazing lady…. We got to play lots of cards with you and Carl…. You were such good friends with my folks…. You are beautiful inside and out. May God bless you and your family…. We will miss you…😘
Diane (Rath) Hewett says
To all of Velma’s dear family,
I am so sad to hear of Velma’s passing. I have always thought so kindly of her. What a beautiful nice lady. May each of you find peace in the days and years ahead as you navigate life without her. Love and prayers to all of you,. I know she will be very missed.
Sincerely,
Diane ,Gerry, and family
Claudia Stanton says
Condolences to Velma’s Families. Velma was a very precious Lady. She left many good memories for all who knew her.
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Condolences and Prayers for all of Velma”s Family She was a very Special Lady . Who will be missed by all who knew her . She was so kind and caring .May you find comfort in all of your Memories and Gods Love for you . RIP Velma Love and Blessings to all of you
Tim & Kris Crews says
We are so sorry for your loss. May you be comforted
Burch and Linda Palmer says
So sorry about Velma. Condolences to all her family. Burch and Linda
Carrie Beach Etherington says
Tony and family:
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. What a beautiful legacy of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate her life.
Cheryl Smutt says
I am so sorry for your loss.
Howard Shawver says
Sandy,Wade,Tony, Shane and families
Sorry to hear that Velma has passed. She raised an outstanding family. I will be thinking of you all in the days to come.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Tony and family, prayers for u during this time of grief. May your happy memories fill the hole in your heart
Loni Hartman says
Tony and family. We are so very sorry to have read the passing of your Mom. Mom and Dad spoke so very highly of your family always. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The family of Bill and Linda Gregg.
Sandy Rabe says
To all of Velma’s family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you comfort in all the great memories you have. God Bless.
Jim and Lil Ranniger says
It’s with sadness Jim and Lil Ranniger hear of the passing of Velma. Carl and Velma were neighbors in Arizona for many winters. And we had the privilege of visiting them at their ranch home in Jordan. One of Velma’s framed paintings has an honored place on a shelf in the nursing home room where Lil is a resident. Good memories will always be with us.
Hazel Stabler says
To all of Velma’s family, I am so sorry to hear of Velma’s passing. She was my classmate and not many of us left. Such a dear friend. She will be missed. May the Holy Spirit comfort you at this time.
Ken and Vicki Hess says
We are sorry to hear of your loss.
Jan Munroe says
I looked at that picture and thought ,that has to Sandy’s mom. I am so sorry for your loss. She sure raised some fine children and was blessed by the same in her grandchildren.
Ellen Hart says
To all of Velma’s family: I am so very sorry for your loss. What a legacy she left!
Arlen Harbaugh says
I am glad to hear she had a busy,happy,and healthy life! I know she will be dearly missed!!I am sorry for her loss!!!
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Linda Estes says
To all of Velma’s family. So sorry to hear of Velma’s leaving this world to join Carl and so many of her friends in that place where pain is nevermore. Live with all the wonderful memories of such a beautiful mother, grandmother and great grandmother and friend. RIP Velma.
Joe and Cathi Peila says
Such a wonderful legacy. Our sincere sympathy for your loss of your beautiful matriarch.
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Sending prayers and condolences to all the Harbaugh family. Sounds like she was one special lady.
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
So sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Dear Family, She was beautiful inside and out. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. She helped raise a wonderful family.
RUTH AND BILL GASS says
to all of Velma’s family she was one beautiful person and had time to say hello no mater where you saw her she will be missed
Rita Wemmer says
Prayers for all at this time. Your mom was such a wonderful person She was loved by many and will be missed by many. God’s grace and love during your healing time.
Diane H says
So sorry for your loss, what a Grand Lady. You are all in my prayers. Prayers to all of you.
Jana Hance says
A classier person, I will never know. Thinking of you all and hoping that your wonderful memories and the memories that others share will help ease your pain. She was a blessing to everyone who knew her.
Dennis and Jane Pluhar says
Sandy, Wade, Tony, Shane and Family’s…Classy Lady!!…raised a great family…God Bless U-all
Mary Ann Murray says
What a wonderful picture of Velma. Just as I always remember her. Velma and Carl would always stop and visit with Lige and me anytime we ran into them. She will be missed but I am sure Carl was delighted to reunite with her. Memories are so precious. Thinking of you all during this time of sorrow. Velma will be missed.
Donald & Betty Lou Weeding says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Harbaugh family. So sorry for your loss.
Lissa Power says
Tony and Sandy,
Sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing.
Marilyn Fish says
Emma, Kevin, Kallie, Ella, Sandy, Al & Kyle y’all have So many precious moments & memories you shared with Velma. My love, condolences, thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Love ❤️ Marilyn
AKA: Aunt Mimi
Neva J. Rathbun says
May the peace of Christ that passes all understanding be with you during this time of sadness.
Dolly Gardner says
Shane and Holly, Tony and Bev, and the rest of the family,
We are thinking of you. We’ve heard so much about Aunt Velma through the years. What a loss, even though you got to have her for quite a while. It’s never easy to give parents up, but it seems like that is part of life. Take care of each other, and care for each other.
With sympathy
Dolly and Lynn Gardner
Roger and Cindy Jenni says
My thought and prayers are with Velma and her wonderful family. Some of my best memories are of spending time at the Harbaugh ranch during summers as a kid. Velma was always so welcoming to have another person around and treated me like family. Just a great lady!!!! You will be missed.
Jo Ryan says
Velma was the best! Best wife, best mother, best grandma, best great grandma, best sister on and on. She
Was always very nice to me. There will be a big void, but remember she is in Glory Land.