Velva Mae Soat was born April 10, 1920 in Spirit Lake, Iowa the daughter of Ezra and Jessie (Reeves) Eikleberry.  She was raised and educated in Spirit Lake.  She graduated with a BA from Iowa State Teachers College in 1941.  She received a MA from the University of South Dakota in 1970.

Velva was united in marriage to Raymond Anthony Soat on October 25, 1941 in Milford, Iowa.  The couple made their home in Milford, where they raised their family.  Velva taught school for many years in Dickinson County as well as in Everly, Iowa.

Velva was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Arnolds Park.  She enjoyed reading, music and traveling.  Her greatest joy, however, came from spending time with her family.

Velva passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2006 at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake at eighty-five years of age.

Surviving are her husband of sixty-four years, Ray; children, Mary Lee, Jeanie, Helen, Bette and Tom; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by two brothers and a sister as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Patty and sister, Ruth.

In Loving Memory
Velva Mae Soat
April 10, 1920 ~ March 21, 2006

SERVICES
Calvary United Methodist Church
Arnolds Park, Iowa
Thursday, March 23, 2006  11:00 AM

OFFICIANT
Rev. Sarah Rohret Odoom

MUSIC
Jo Ann Heerdt, Organist
Karleen Noteboom, Soloist
Amazing Grace
When We All Get To Heaven

INTERMENT
Calvary Cemetery
Milford, Iowa
Private family service at a later date