Velda Joan Smalley

Velda Joan Smalley (Wilson), 75, passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Advena Fountain View in Rose Hill, Kansas surrounded by family.

Born on July 29, 1952, in Winfield, Kansas, Velda was the daughter of Edmond and Betty Wilson. She attended Central of Burden High School in Burden, KS.

Velda lived her life with a quiet strength and a deep love for her family. Her passions were her crafts and her children, and she found joy in creating things with her hands. She never missed a holiday gathering and delighted in bringing desserts to share. Her hobbies included crocheting, counted cross stitch, diamond paintings, and puzzles. She also loved building things and was always ready to help with home projects, offering her time, her hands, and her heart.

Velda is survived by her children, Russell Smalley and wife Chandra of Rose Hill, KS, and Christina Fernandez and husband Roger of Derby, KS; along with multiple grandchildren and great‑grandchildren. During her life, she spent countless days caring for her grandson Brantley Fernandez, watching him while he was young and giving him the steady presence that only a grandmother can offer. She is also survived by her siblings, Linda Willard and husband Tom of Burden, KS, and Jerry Wilson of Newkirk, OK.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Allen Wilson of Robert Lee, Texas.

At Velda’s request there will be no public service. Burial will be at Walnut Valley Memorial Park in Eldorado, next to her parents.