Graveside Services and Interment for Velma I. Philby will be conducted from the Oxford Cemetery at Oxford, Nebraska on Monday, January 21, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Ken Breinig officiating.

Velma Inez Philby, 95 years of age, of Grand Island, Nebraska (formerly of Oxford), passed away on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at the Grand Island Veterans Home. Velma was born January 14, 1918 in Furnas County, east of Arapahoe, Nebraska, the youngest of four children born to Ernest Wayland and Queenie Victoria (Jones) Robbins. Velma received her primary education through the 8th grade at the District #63 School in Furnas County, and then graduated from Arapahoe High School with the class of 1938.

Velma was united in marriage to the love of her life, Clifford Alexander Philby on January 5, 1945 and to this union two sons were born: James and Richard. The couple made their home at Gowen Field, Idaho. After Cliff’s honorable discharge from the United States Army in 1945, Velma and Cliff returned to Oxford, where Velma was a devoted wife and homemaker for her family. Velma enjoyed gardening, fishing, and the many camping vacations she spent with her family. Velma’s greatest passion was spending time with her family.

Velma was preceded in death by her husband, Cliff on February 4, 2003. Besides her parents and husband, Velma was preceded in death by her two brothers: Melborne Robbins in infancy and Floyd Robbins; sister, Hazel Palmer and her husband, John; two brothers-in-laws: Lloyd and Jerry Philby; and sister-in-law, Rozella Quinn.

She leaves to mourn her passing her two sons: James Philby of Hastings, Nebraska, and Richard Philby and his wife, Ronni, of Chadron, Nebraska; three grandchildren: Timothy, John and Lori; two great-grandchildren: Cory and Kayla; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 20, 2013 from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. with the family from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Oxford.

A memorial has been established in Velma’s honor and kindly suggested to the Grand Island Veterans Home.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Oxford is in charge of arrangements.

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