Velma Frandsen

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    Velma Dean Todd Frandsen, 98, passed away peacefully January 22, 2026, in Roosevelt, Utah at the Parkside Manor.
    Velma was born November 21, 1927, in Ballard, Utah, to Thomas Richardson and  Cora Powell  Todd.
    She met the love of her life in the fifth grade when a new boy named Dean Frandsen walked into her classroom. Velma later said she looked at him and declared she was going to marry that boy. Her childhood prediction came true, and they were sealed in the St. George LDS Temple on March 4, 1948, sharing more than 60 years of marriage and family life together.
    Velma was spirited and strong-willed, and her personality matched her fiery red hair. Yet beneath that strength was a heart of gold—deeply loving, caring, and generous. Her children and grandchildren never doubted her love for them. She loved attending whatever activities they participated in and was always their biggest cheerleader.
    She was talented in countless ways. She taught herself to read music without formal lessons and loved to play both the piano and the organ. She could play by ear and had a beautiful alto voice, which she shared as a member of the ward choir.
    Velma made Christmas magical for her family. Her children remember that its excitement came not only from the gifts she gave but from the way she filled their home with beauty, love, and joy. She created an atmosphere of wonder that made the season feel truly special. Most importantly, she taught her family that Christmas was about more than presents—it was about the Savior, His birth, and the importance of family.
    A gifted seamstress, she constantly sewed matching fancy dresses for her daughters when they were young for special occasions such as Christmas and Easter. Each grandchild received a handmade baby blanket, and later a white crocheted blessing blanket for their own children to be passed down as a treasured keepsake. Her grandchildren also received quilts for their high school graduations, and she insisted on giving every grandchild a little money whenever they came to visit.
    Velma was deeply involved in her community and cherished the friendships she formed through her many activities. She enjoyed being part of the local sewing club and Socialette club, where she spent hours sewing, quilting, and visiting with friends. She devoted herself generously to compassionate service to family, friends, and neighbors. She also served for many years as a Pink Lady at the hospital, offering her time and care in service to others.
    Velma enjoyed a full and active life. She loved to travel and, in later years, organized bus tours around the country with friends. As an avid card player, she often said, “Why play if you don’t play to win.” She was known for her good aim—once famously killing a prairie dog with a rock (which she always felt really bad about). A devoted sports fan, she especially loved the Utah Jazz, and everyone knew not to call her during a game. She loved camping when her children were young and enjoyed going for Sunday rides. She bowled on a league for many years and loved to read, especially the Book of Mormon.
    Saturday mornings were known for Buchanan “hotcakes” (as she called them), and no one could ever make them quite like she could. She always had food ready for anyone who came to visit, with homemade chicken noodle soup as her go-to meal. She took great pride in her garden, and her children loved the fresh vegetables she grew. An excellent canner, she filled her shelves—and her family’s—with the fruits of her labor. She was also known for her love of pulling weeds and tending her yard.
    Velma was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served in a variety of callings and leadership positions throughout her life. Dean, Velma, and their daughters were called to serve together in the Uintah Basin Regional Indian Mission from March 1969 to March 1971. She and Dean later served a mission together in the Pleasanton California Mission from December 1994 to December 1995. She also served as an ordinance worker in the Vernal LDS Temple for almost 16 years.    
    She is survived by her children: Allan (Shirley) Frandsen, Jolene (Dan, deceased), Ashcraft, Lynette (Dan) McKittrick, Melinda (Tim) King, Denise (Rick) Fielding, and Shannon (Rich) Hill; 24 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
    She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Frandsen; her grandson, Gavin Ashcraft; and her son-in-law, Dan Ashcraft.
    Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Roosevelt 2nd Ward, 250 W. 200 N., Roosevelt, Utah. A viewing will be held from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
    Burial will be in the Roosevelt Memorial Park.