Velma Lucille (Tranby) Ward

Velma Ward, 91, of Bemidji, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Sanford Health Trillium in Bemidji.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home in Bemidji, with Mike Naylor presiding. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Jones Township Cemetery in Solway, Minnesota.

Velma Lucille Tranby was born on December 12, 1934, on the family farm in Polk County, Minnesota, to Ole and Bessie (Thornton) Tranby. As a young girl, her family moved to Bemidji, where she attended Central School and later graduated from Bemidji High School.

On March 20, 1954, she married Melvin Ward. Velma worked for Thrifty White Drug and retired in December 2006. She was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church in Bemidji. Velma enjoyed ceramics, knitting, and baking, and she was known for preparing large holiday meals. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family and friends.

Velma is survived by her children Carlyn (Jerry) Whitney, Lee (Laura) Ward, Steve (Roselyn) Ward, Stanley Ward, Gerald (Melody) Ward, and Roger Ward; grandchildren Christy, Ryan, Terri, Brent, Leora, Lynette, Brad, Cholice, Catherine, Ben, Kai, Crystal, Corey, and Justin; as well as many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Melvin; her son, Stanley; her granddaughter, Melissa Ward; and her son‑in‑law, Jerry Whitney.

Velma’s family would like to thank the staff at Sanford Health Windsong and Trillium for the wonderful care they provided to her over the last few years.

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