VELMA I. HANKINS, 88, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Sunday morning, August 4, 2013 at Winfield Resthaven.

Born on August 8, 1924 in rural Winfield, Kansas, she was the daughter of Charles and Lillian (Ruth) Dowler. She was raised and received her education in Winfield and graduated from Winfield High School in 1942. Velma graduated from Southwestern College in 1946 with a BA in education. She attended Colorado State University in 1948 and continued taking classes at Wichita State University from 1960 to 1983.

She was united in marriage to Vernon E. Hankins on August 8, 1954. Velma was employed as an elementary school teacher, teaching in Dodge City, Clearwater, Wellington and Burden. Local schools Velma taught at included Bryant, South Vernon, Irving, Webster, Pleasant Valley and Country View. She retired in 1989 following 45 years of service.

She attended the First Christian Church in Winfield. Velma was a member of the Boy Scouts and received the Silver Beaver Award, the Distinguished Service Award and the Wood Badge Award. She was also a member of the Teachers Association and had received several awards including Winfield Teacher in 1982, Winfield Master Teacher in 1988 and the Kansas Master Teacher Award. Velma loved crafts, flowers, gardening and reading.

Her family includes:
Her husband: Vernon of Winfield, KS;
Her son: Clinton Hankins of Wichita, KS: and
Her grandchildren: Daniel and Austin Hankins.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her sisters, Ruth Birdzell and Vera Brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, August 8, 2013 at Miles Funeral Service. Interment will follow at the Dexter Cemetery in Dexter, Kansas. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, August 7, 2013 and the family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., that evening.

A memorial has been established in Velma's name for the Chaplain Nature Center. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.