Velda Barlow

Velda Lee (Cheney) Barlow passed away on April 28, 2023 in Sterling at the age of 81.

She was born on Aug. 5, 1941 in Sterling, the daughter of Harold and Minnie Cheney of Haxtun. With a twinkle in her eye, Velda was a force to be reckoned with. She worked hard and played even harder. Her creative flair filled the stage of life and her performances were legendary. When it came to facing challenges, Velda always persevered with a fun-loving soul that could light up a room. She had a sharp mind and independent spirit, always approaching life with strength and determination. She was a loving mother and excelled in the food service industry, managing and owning various cafés throughout her career that served meals filled with love and a charm only she possessed. Velda cherished her family and friends and often proclaimed to be the richest person on earth, she just lacked the cash flow.

Just as was stated in her senior yearbook, "Ring on her finger man on her mind," Velda married shortly after graduation. To this union were born four girls, Jolene, Paula, Nancy and Jesse. Velda was running the Country Kitchen in Haxtun, raising her girls on her own when she met the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Barlow. After a brief two-week courtship, the two were married and their family grew to include Bob's six children, Tracy, Jody, Craig, Wade, Krista and Brian. Two years later they completed the family with the birth of their daughter Sammi. In September 2023 they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Velda always managed to find a way back into the food industry no matter where life took them. Eventually, they completed a full circle and returned to Haxtun, purchasing The Bar LO Café where they met so many years before. Velda worked daily at the café until a ruptured brain aneurysm forced her into retirement. She enjoyed gardening, playing piano, reading, playing games on the computer and spending time with family with the newfound time on her hands. Many afternoons were spent playing cards or mahjong with friends.

Velda is survived by her beloved husband Robert "Bob" Barlow; children Sammi and husband Brian Starkebaum with Bobbi and Baron, Jesse Larson with Landon Larson, Nancy and husband Richard Hennessy with Kadin Mulla and Liam Mulla, Paula and husband Mark Unger Cunningham Love with Casey Cunningham, Zoe Metropoulos, and Lexi Metropoulos, Jolene Cunningham and husband Tom Johansen with Nicole, Amber, and Justice, Brian and wife Wendi Barlow, Krista and husband Jake Schlegel, Wade and wife Jackie Barlow, Craig Barlow, Jody Barlow, and Tracy Barlow. She also leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters LaVonne and husband Phillip Hart and Teresa Blackburn Yost. She is also survived by several nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Velda is preceded in death by her parents Harold and Minnie Cheney as well as her grandparents Wilm and Hannah DeBuhr and Otha and Margaret Cheney. She is also preceded by her Aunt Lorraine and husband Jerry Landreth.

A Celebration of Life memorial service was held on Velda's birthday, Aug. 5, at the Haxtun Methodist Church in Haxtun. Contributions can be made in her memory to the Haxtun Methodist Church.