Velma Irene Fries Winward, 91; of Grace, Idaho passed away on 25 February, 2010, in the Franklin County Transitional Care Center, Preston, Idaho.

She was born in Albion, Idaho, on 20 September 1918 to Charles H. and Carrie Demarteau Fries.

She married Fredrick LaMar Winward on 15 November 1936 in Burley, Idaho.

Velma was known throughout the valley for her good sense of humor, and her great cooking. She was always taking care of others. Through the years, she took care of many widow ladies and made sure they had food supplies in their homes. She would take the widows to her home for a day, just to give them an outing.

For many years, she would take a huge pot of chicken noodle soup to residents of her community, who had lost a family member.
Velma held many different jobs throughout her life. She worked for Bob's Cafe, and loved to laugh and tease the customers. She worked in the potatoes for Jack Gibbs and Dick Smith; there was never a dull moment, if she was there. One of her favorite jobs was at the Grace Hot Lunch. It was hard work, but she loved those big High School boys who were always hungry. She was once offered the opportunity to be the Hot Lunch Supervisor, but she turned it down, because she didn't think she was capable. She was always regretful of not accepting that position.

Other jobs she had were: Niter Store, Sanders Furniture Store and catering for the Lion's Club and Class Reunions. She also did house cleaning and painting for women. She supported her children in all their school activities, and loved to cheer loudly at football games and wrestling meets. She made sure her children got the best education and supported them in their efforts.

Velma was consistently direct and honest with people, and stood her ground for those principles that she held high esteem.

She was active in her church activities, Grace Literary Club and the Farm Bureau.

She resided in the Preston Transitional Care Center for the last three years. There, she made many friends, and received excellent care.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, five brothers and two sisters. Surviving are her children, Carrie Dee Gardner of Pocatello, ID; Fred and Linda Winward of Arimo, ID; Vera Lee and Don Stockard of Roy, UT; Kardell and Janice Winward of Malad, ID. She has 17 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Services were held on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the Sims Funeral Home in Soda Springs. Burial was in the Grace Cemetery in Grace, Idaho.