Velva Mae Thomas Heath, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister and aunt, 93, Rapid City, SD passed away Sept 16, 2024 at Peaceful Pines Memory Care Unit.

Velva was born July 19, 1931, in her family home in Kimball, SD.  Velva was the oldest of 3 daughters and 2 sons born to Cecil and Leta (Parriott) Thomas.  Velva always fondly remembered her farm days and was proud of being a farm girl.

She went to country school 1st through 8th grade and Kimball High School 9th through 12th; graduating in 1949.  She met and married her love, Lyle Heath, and together they farmed in the Kimball area. Later after leaving farming they moved to Rapid City where they continued to build their life together.  Velva was a devoted wife and mother raising her 3 children. She was a talented seamstress and lovingly created clothes for her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her son Craig (Ellen) of Dakota Dunes, 2 daughters Kathleen (James) Hanley and Cynthia (Jeffrey) Bailie both of Rapid City. Nine grandchildren, Jennifer (Tyler), Heather, Katherine (Cuyler), Laura (Kevin), Matthew (Whitney), Mary (Aubrey), Molly (Jason), Julie (Patrick), Michael (Caitlin). Fifteen great-grandchildren Courtney (Michael), Kerris, Samuel, Rhett, Hazel, Odin, Louis, Nolan, Magnus, Kellan, Isaac, Andrew, Connor, Solveig and August.  2 great -great grandsons, Hayden and Teddy and 1 great-great granddaughter, Penelope .  Velva is also survived by her two younger sisters and brothers, Vivian Cleland of Chamberlain, Darold (Carol)Thomas of Kimball, Elaine Stanek of Kimball and Leonard Thomas of Kimball.

Velva was preceded in death by her husband Lyle and her parents.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Monday, September 23 at South Canyon Lutheran Church 700 S. 44th Street, Rapid City, SD  57702

A memorial has been established in her name to Kimball Volunteer Fire Department, 136 W. 1st Street, Kimball, SD  57735

Honorary urn bearers are: Jennifer Solma, Heather Heath, Katherine Hunter, Laura O'Brien, Matthew Hanley,

Mary Olson, Molly Hine, Julie Smith, and Michael Hanley.