Velma Ann (Bach) Osborn passed peacefully into eternal life on July 23, 2026. Her quick smile, heartfelt laughter, twinkling blue eyes, and generous spirit will be missed by her loving family and many, many friends and neighbors.

Velma was born on January 30, 1928, on a farm west of Oketo, Kansas, to parents Edward Ralph Bach and Lula Theresa (Mentgen) Bach. She attended country school, making the daily two-mile trek atop a hay bale strapped to the back of a horse-drawn buggy. When she was nine years old, the family moved to Idaho for a short time before returning to Kansas to a farm near Whiting. In 1944, they relocated to Holton.

Velma graduated from high school in 1946 and took a job as a purchasing agent with KP&L in Topeka. She married the love of her life, Robert Osborn, of Soldier, Kansas, on May 20, 1947. In 1949, they moved to Manhattan, where Velma continued with KP&L as a payroll clerk while also beginning a successful career selling Avon products.

Well into her 90s, Velma could recall with remarkable clarity the events of 1951. While living in a small two-bedroom home on Humboldt Street (where Dillard's now stands), the Great Flood of 1951 swept through Manhattan, filling their home with 58 inches of muddy floodwaters. The couple lived with friends before renting a room in a boarding house from July through December while their home dried out. Velma fondly remembered her mother lining up 13 wash tubs on the sidewalk to clean mud from their clothing and household belongings. Although much of their clothing could never be completely restored, her resourceful mother transformed salvaged wool blankets into new quilts and dresses. Together, they weathered the storm and moved forward into the next chapter of their married life.

Velma and Bob welcomed their son, Thomas Edward, in 1953 and, five years later, their daughter, Patricia Ann.

Together, Velma and Bob shared a love of boating, camping, and teaching many nieces and nephews to water ski. They traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states and spending extended time in Washington, Oregon, Texas, and Arizona during retirement. Velma was an enthusiastic gardener who enjoyed growing flowers, fruits, and vegetables throughout her adult life. She delighted in cooking, canning, and generously sharing the fruits of her labor with family, friends, and neighbors.

Velma began volunteering in 1953 at what is now Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. She was instrumental in establishing the Hospital Auxiliary, served as both manager and buyer for the hospital gift shop, and recruited blood donors for the blood bank. Following Bob's passing in 2010, Velma devoted herself to sewing. She lovingly created items for veterans, lap robes and fidget quilts for individuals with dementia, children's totes for Catholic Charities and the emergency shelter, and bibs for Meadowlark residents living with Parkinson's disease. She dedicated more than 70 years of volunteer service to her community.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Robert Osborn; her daughter, Patricia; granddaughter, Shannon; her parents, Edward and Lula Bach; her sister, Dolores; her brother, Larry; and her stepbrother, Ralph Klein.

Velma is survived by her son, Thomas (Cathy) Osborn of Manhattan, Kansas; her grandson, Ryan (Lyndsay) of Lenexa; her great-grandchildren, Adalyn, Hudson, and Delaney; her sister, Karen Ubben (Gary) of Wichita; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A devoted Catholic throughout her life, Velma's faith remained the cornerstone of her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Velma’s honor to The Prayer Garden at St. Thomas More Catholic Church or Good Shepherd Homecare & Hospice.

A Rosary will be held at Irvin Parkview Funeral Home on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 5:30pm with a visitation following from 6pm to 7:30pm. Services will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 10:30am with burial following at Sunset Cemetery.