Velma Nellie Hansen, 95, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2019 of natural causes at the Missouri River Medical Center. A public viewing will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 31, 2019 at the Benton Funeral Home Chapel. Her memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at the Fort Benton United Methodist Church with Pastor Losaline Tupoumalohi officiating. She will be buried next to Claude at Riverside Cemetery. Memorials in Velma's honor may be made to the Dedman Foundation, P.O. Box 1282, Fort Benton, Montana 59442. Please visit Velma's online memorial page at www.bentonfh.com to leave a message of condolence for Velma's family.

Velma was born July 26, 1923 in Climax, Saskatchewan, Canada to Rupert and Julia (Hanks) East. She was one of seven children. Velma was born with the use of only one arm and one hand. She did not let this deter her from a hard day's work. She could out-work most people. She was raised and educated in Climax. She met Claude Hansen at a dance after World War II. They dated and married October 13, 1950. The couple moved to Fort Benton where Claude was employed.

Velma had a love for children and operated a daycare out of her home for many years. She and Claude fostered many children, eventually adopting their daughter Claudia and their son Arnold. Velma was known for her beautiful flowers that she planted, her love of children and animals. She was an upbeat and positive person always helping others. She was a member of the Fort Benton United Methodist Church and would also attend the Community Bible Church, because she enjoyed Pastor Joe's sermons.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Claude Hansen in 2002; her son Arnold Lee Hansen in 1979; brothers Bob East, Ed East and Leonard East; and her sister Violet Coup.

Velma is survived by her daughter Claudia Hansen; grandsons: Michael Kelley, Matthew Hinkle (Kaitlyn Boy) and Jeremiah Hinkle; one great-grandson Avery Hinkle; two sisters: Elsie Smails and Mathilda Engel; sister-in-law Barbara East; her very special friend Cheri Thurston; and several nieces and nephews.