Velma J. Kissinger

Velma J. Kissinger, 64, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away suddenly on Thursday, July 7, 2022. Family will meet with friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa. Graveside inurnment service will follow at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa. Velma was born July 25, 1957, at Independence, Kansas, the daughter of Orville and Betty (Damron) McDonald. She spent most of her life in Iola, Kansas, attending Iola High School, receiving her GED. In 2005, Velma moved to Ottawa, where she made her home until her death. On July 4, 2002, Velma was united in marriage to F. Wayne Kissinger. They were happily married 20 years before he preceded her in death on November 21, 2020. Velma was a devoted homemaker who loved her family and grandchildren. She enjoyed fishing, woodworking and home remodeling. She was also preceded in death by her parents, sister Beth French, son Howard Hanson Jr., stepdaughter Michelle Hanson, a grandson and great grandson. Survivors include two children, Angela Harrison (Tracy Robertson) of Emporia, and Mark (Tyra) Hanson also of Emporia; stepchildren, Devon (Paula) Kissinger of Lawrence, Dr. Marc (Denise) Kissinger also of Lawrence, Jennifer (Tim) Eden of DeLand, Florida, Kelly (James) Morrison of Emporia, Teresa Hanson of Iola, and Phillip Hanson also of Iola; 31 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by siblings, twin sister Wilma (Doug) Evans of New Strawn, Tava (Dan) Stocksen of Emporia, Joyce Schroder of Texas, Kathy (Kim) Warren of Yates Center, Keith (Lena) McDonald of Augusta, Tina McDonald of Chanute, and Terry (Shirley) McDonald of Gas, Kansas, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorial contributions to Prairie Paws Animal Shelter c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.