Velma S. Cleland

Velma (Stone) Cleland

On Sunday June 21, 2026 Velma, 98, rejoiced in peace as she entered the pearly gates, with her family by her side.

On May 19, 1928 she was born in Upper Sandusky, the 2nd oldest child of Ruben & Carrie (Risner) Stone. Velma attended McCutchenville school and after school at the age of 16, she worked at Ralston Cereal in Battle Creek Michigan. While working there she lost her wrist watch in a box of cereal and it was later on found and returned to her. She then moved back to Ohio and spent years working at GE, where she met the love of her life, Lester “Junior” Cleland. They married on May 19, 1951 at Union United Church of Christ in Bascom where they were lifelong members. They spent a wonderful 62 years together residing on the family farm in New Reigel, before his passing in 2013.

For 35 years she played a vital role in the family egg business where she never let their farm help go hungry. She always made sure everyone was fed and spent many hours in the kitchen whether it was cooking a delicious meal from scratch, baking pies or cakes (her macaroni salad & hot fudge cake are still family favorites) or canning. She always enjoyed sharing her masterpieces. She didn’t get much time “off” while raising a family and keeping up the farm but when she did, you could find her at the local ceramic shop painting beautiful Santas and many other pieces over the years, attending aquatic classes at the local YMCA, at the bowling alley with friends, or relaxing in her chair with a word search book in hand and Wheel of Fortune & Jeopardy on TV.

The legacy you leave behind is carried on through our children, Velma had four wonderful children, Carol Cleland of Fostoria, Daniel (Carolyn Pennington) Cleland of McCutchenville, Douglas Cleland & Cynthia (Gregg) Hughes of Alvada. Eight Grandchildren Christina (Troy) Breidenbach of Tiffin, Lee (Kelly) Cleland of McCutchenville, Nicole (Winston) Stansberry of Carey, Nicholas (Amy) Cleland, Erin (Keith Sherwood) both of New Riegel, Kaiti (Lacey) Hughes Maumee, Blaine (Jessica) Hughes & Brian Hughes both of Columbus. Sixteen Great Grandchildren, One Great-Great Grandchild & one due in October. One Sister Bernice Frisch of Tiffin & many Nieces & Nephews.

A great 98 years she spent earthside, she was graciously reunited with some of those who meant the most to her with open arms she was greeted at the gates by her parents, Ruben & Carrie Stone, her husband Lester, a son Douglas Cleland, sisters Melvia Shaw, Thelma (June) Heimrick, Phyllis Corfman, brothers Morris, James & Clayton Stone and great granddaughter Kori Sherwood and many others.

The family wishes to send a heartfelt Thank You to those who provided great care for our loved one while she resided at Birchaven the past few years!

Memorial Contributions may be made to Bascom Joint Fire and EMS, Tunnel to Towers, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 4-7:00 P.M., and on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 9:30-10:30 A.M., at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883, (419) 447-2424.

Her funeral service will be Friday, June 26, 2026, at 10:30 A.M. at the funeral home, with Rev. Barb Osborn officiating.

Her graveside service will follow at Sandridge Cemetery in Bascom.

Condolences may be sent, and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.