MONTPELIER -- Velda Smith Kunz, 74, passed away Friday, February 24, 2006 at her home in Montpelier following a short-term illness.

She was born December 7, 1931 in Georgetown, Idaho to Wells Harrison and Florence Barkdull Smith.

She joined a family of 11 children, Velda being the 12th, seven brothers and four sisters. She spent her early years in Georgetown, where she attended school. The summer months were spent on the dry farm up Three Mile and winter months in Georgetown.

Velda married Melvin Farrell Kunz February 1, 1947 in Montpelier, Idaho and in 1950, they moved to California.

She worked for Dolly Madison Bakery for 24 years. She and Melvin then sold their service station business and moved to Bullhead City, Arizona. In 1979, they moved back to Montpelier where Velda went to work for Sprouse-Reitz. She later went to work for Bear Lake Cleaners and worked there until she retired.

Velda was a loving wife, mother grandmother and friend. She was a homemaker and adorned her home with her beautiful hand work.

Velda I survived by her tow children, son, Michael Kent (Carole Lang) Kunz of LaCrescenta, California, and daughter, Jacquelyn (Robert) Buchmiller of Idaho Falls, Idaho; four grandchildren, Shane Michael (Shelly) Kunz, Eric Steven (Jennifer) Kunz of California, Cecilia Danell (Terry) Olson of Idaho Falls, Katrina Denise Blackmore of Arizona; eight great-grandchildren; three brothers, Glenn, Howard and Don Smith; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Melvin Farrell Kunz, four sisters, Denice Ashley, Merrill Stove, Mildred Armatage and Arlene Ward, and four brothers, Ralph, Lynn, Leo and Sherman Smith.

Funeral services are scheduled on Thursday, March 2, at 11 a.m. in the Montpelier Fourth Ward Chapel, where friends may visit with family from 9:30 until 10:45 a.m.

Interment will take place in the Montpelier Cemetery, with services under the direction of Matthews Mortuary.