Velda Jean Gilkeson, 76, of Dayton, VA went to her heavenly home on Friday, March 5, 2021. She passed away at Bridgewater Retirement Community.

She was born July 5, 1944 at Franklin, WV and was the daughter of the late Russell Propst and Verna Hammer Propst.

Velda was a 1963 graduate of Franklin High School.  Her first job after graduation was at the dental office of Dr. H. Byrd Teter.  On December 23, 1964, she married Ronald "Ron" Gilkeson, and the happy couple lived in Morgantown, WV, where she worked at the WVU Ag School while Ron completed college.  Over the years, Ron's job took them many places in WV, including Point Pleasant, Sistersville, Keyser, Princeton and Philippi, and Velda held part-time jobs in those locations.  After Ron's retirement, they moved to the Shenandoah Valley in the fall of 1996, and Velda enjoyed working as a food demonstrator at Costco until failing health.  She was very talented at sewing, quilting, and baking, and had a special passion for oil painting, which she continued to enjoy until her death.  She attended Victory Fellowship Church at Dayton, Virginia.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by –

One son –

Darren Gilkeson (& Carissa) of Dayton, VA

Two sisters –

Stanna Smith (& Sam) of Upper Tract, WV

Alma Propst (& David) of Baltimore, MD

One brother –

Max Propst (& Mildred) of Franklin, WV

One grandson –

Todd M. Gilkeson of Aurora, CO

And a number of nieces and nephews

A son, Lance Gilkeson (1977 – 1993) preceded her in death.

A private graveside service and interment will be at Fairview Cemetery at Fort Seybert, WV with Pastor Jared Link officiating.

Friends who want to pay their respects and sign the register book may do so at Kimble Funeral Home on Sunday, March 7 from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.  The casket will be closed.

Memorials may be made to Victory Fellowship Church, P. O. Box 326, Dayton, VA  22821; Church of the Nazarene, 1871 Boyers Road, Rockingham, VA  22801 or a charity of choice.