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Velma Benjamin Ludwig Coonce, of Overland Park, Kansas, was born March 6, 1917 in Welch, Oklahoma, the daughter of Frank David and Bessie May (Green) Darter. She departed this life Monday, July 16, 2007, at Garden Terrace of Overland Park at the age of 90 years, 4 months and 10 days.
On September 9, 1944, Velma was united in marriage to Ivan LeRoy Benjamin. Later she was united in marriage to Cecil Ludwig on September 12, 1973 and then to Roy Coonce on January 13, 1983.
Velma was a homemaker. She was a member of Noland Road Baptist Church, Independence, Missouri and the Order of Eastern Star Josepha Chapter #63 and Past Worthy Commander of True Kindred both of Kansas City, Missouri. Velma enjoyed flowers, making crafts, quilting and cooking. She had lived in Kansas City, Garden City and Independence, Missouri before moving to Overland Park in 2003.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her three husbands, Ivan Benjamin on November 16, 1967, Cecil Ludwig on December 13, 1980 and Roy Coonce on January 23, 1991; a brother, Donald Darter and two sisters, Vera Kissee and Hazel Hupperfelt.
She is survived by a daughter, Judy Benjamin, Merriam, Kansas; a step-daughter, Joan Warnock and husband, David, Granada Hills, California; two sisters, Betty Baldwin, Manassas, Virginia and Dorothy McMillian, Miami, Oklahoma; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life Service was held Thursday, July 19, 2007 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with burial in the Wills Cemetery near Peculiar, Missouri.
Memorial contributions may be made to Angel Flight Central or Alzheimers Association.