Velma Jean Merrick of Lompoc, California, died on February 13, 2015, at the age of 86. Velma was born on September 8, 1928, to Robert and Mary Ringle, in Cherryville, Kansas. Velma was raised and educated there and graduated from Cherryville High School.

Velma came to Lompoc in 1979 from North Dakota. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Kansas, a Red Hat lady of the Red Hat Society, a member of the Christian Women's Club, and a lifetime member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. Velma was homemaker and loved crafting. She was a 36-year cancer survivor.

Velma is survived by her daughter Sharon (Roger) Moss of Carthage, Missouri, son Robert (Dinah) Merrick of Quinton, Virginia, and son Richard (Sara) Merrick of Lompoc, California; six granddaughters and one grandson; and several great grandchildren. Her husband Richard preceded her in death in 1991.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the American Cancer Society or the Comprehensive Care Center in care of the Lompoc Hospital Foundation.

A memorial service officiated by Dr. Paul Hall will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2015, at 1 pm in the Starbuck-Lind Mortuary Chapel, 123 North A Street, Lompoc, California.