Velda L. Rutherford, 76, of Grinnell, passed away Wednesday, June 22, 2005, at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell. A memorial service will be held 7 p.m., Monday, June 27, 2005, at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell with Rev. Len Eberhart officiating. Honorary bearers will be her grandchildren. Inurnment will be held privately before the service at Pleasant Township Cemetery in Ewart. Visitation hours will be held from 1 p.m to 8 p.m. on Monday evening at the Smith Funeral Home, with the family present to greet friends from 5 ' 7 p.m. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or to Dollars for Scholars. Velda was born the daughter of Ralph Larsen and Irene Murphy on March 13, 1929, in Grinnell, Iowa. She was raised and educated in Grinnell and graduated with the Grinnell High School class of 1947. Velda was united in marriage to Robert Martin Rutherford on June 4, 1949, at her parent's home in Grinnell. To this union were born their children, Rebecca, Stephen, David and Mark. She was employed with Davidson's clothing store in Grinnell, Maid Rite restaurant in Grinnell for several years, and at Spurgeon's clothing store for twenty-five years. During her twenty-five years at Spurgeon's, Velda was often referred to as the 'candy lady.' She always made sure her grandchildren and their friends were supplied with candy. Velda loved reading and for years kept everyone supplied with paperback books. She loved going dancing and modeling Vintage Clothing with Alice. She also enjoyed traveling and vacationing with Carroll and Carolyn. Velda and Bob rarely missed an event that their grandchildren were participating in. Velda is survived by her husband Bob of Grinnell; her children, Rebecca (Joe) Edelen of Brooklyn, Iowa, Stephen (Pat) Rutherford of Grinnell, Mark (Vickie) Rutherford of Grinnell; her grandchildren, Michael, Jonathan, Karin, and Brian Edelen, Sara, Amanda and Todd Rutherford, Holli and Nicholas Rutherford; her great grandchild, Cameron Farmer; her sister, Joanne Dimit of Grinnell; and several nieces and nephews. Velda was seventy-six years of age and was preceded in death by her parents, and her son, David.