Velma Coleen Garcia

Velma (Luetters) Garcia, 80, passed away suddenly in her home May 16, 2024. Her passing leaves a huge hole in the hearts of those who loved her. Velma had a quiet presence that was welcoming, genuine and generous.

Velma and her twin, Thelma, were born to George and Coletta Luetters in Ransom, Kansas in 1943. George was away at war for the first two years of their lives, and was welcomed home by his two curly-haired toddlers upon his return in 1945.

Velma attended cosmetology school in Salina where she met her future husband, Fred, who was stationed at Schilling Air Force Base. They married in 1965 and moved to San Jose, California to begin their life together. They welcomed two children, daughter, Rhonda and son, Lee. While the kids were small, Velma opened an in-home daycare. When they were in middle and high school, the family moved to Felton, a small town in the Santa Cruz Mountains, surrounded by growths of redwoods.

Velma began a long career with Sears Department Store in nearby Scotts Valley. Starting out in Customer Service and rising to leadership in the HR Department. She and Fred retired in 2011 and enjoyed the redwoods from their deck every morning thereafter. Feeding the friendly squirrels peanuts every morning and watching the mice dart out from under the deck to share in the treasures became a morning ritual. Such occurrences as watching a mother deer and her fawns trekking through the forest were also enjoyed.

Velma is survived by her husband of 59 years, Fred; her daughter Rhonda Garcia; and her son Lee Garcia. She is also survived by her sister, Donna Luetters, along with in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, George J. Luetters, her mother, Coletta (Leiker) Luetters, her sister, Thelma Ciempa, and her brother, Doug Luetters.

A Rosary will be held on Saturday, July 6th at 11:00 am at St. John's Church, 120 Russell Ave. Felton, CA 95018.