Velma Belaustegui, 06 Oct 1909 - 11 July 2008

BELAUSTEGUI, BAUER

Posted By: Netha M Meyer (email)
Date: 7/22/2008 at 19:04:40

Millersburg Velma Bauer Belaustegui, 98, died Friday, July 11, 2008, in Tyler, Texas.

Velma was born in Millersburg on Oct. 6, 1909, to William and Katy Bauer. She was raised on a farm with her four older brothers. When she graduated from high school, she took a position teaching in a one-room country school, but after two years entered Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls to earn a teaching credential. Her teaching career included posts in Lingle, Cheyenne and Mountain View, Wyo., and then in Genoa, Battle Mountain and Tonopah, Nev.

In December 1938, she married Leon Belaustegui, a native of Battle Mountain. Together they built and operated Bel Court Motel and the Shell Service station on the east end of town and later added the Kwik Drive Inn. While raising her four children, she was active in helping to establish the Girl Scout, Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs. Velma was invited by the Lander County school board to teach the first kindergarten class in Battle Mountain, which she did when her youngest son was kindergarten age. She was also active in the PTA; she assisted with the annual school musical programs by teaching the dancing routines and sewing costumes; and she was involved as a band mother, helping with sorting and fitting uniforms and arranging and supervising band trips, along with the other parents.

Velma was a talented artist, and was also skilled in crochet work and embroidery. She won several ribbons and awards at the Lander County Fair and other art shows over the years for her oil paintings and needlework.

Velma was preceded in death by her four brothers, Vernon, Harold, Orville and Melvin Bauer; her husband, Leon; and two sons, John and Lonnie.

She is succeeded by her son, Tom Belaustegui of Reno, Nev.; her daughter, Kay McKeown (Ivor) of Tyler, Texas; six grandchildren, Amy Belaustegui, Allison Adams (Brent) and Amber Belaustegui of Reno and Karen McKeown, Kimberley McKeown and Stephen McKeown of Tyler; two great-grandchildren, Sami and Aiden Adams; plus many beloved nieces and nephews.

Velma devoted her life and energy to raising her family and maintaining her beautiful home in Battle Mountain, where she lived with Leon for more than 50 years. After his death in 1990, she divided her time between residences in Reno, Nev., and Mesa, Ariz. She spent her last years with her daughter and family in Tyler, Texas, after she suffered a broken hip. Her family and friends will miss her gracious and generous presence, but cherish their many rich memories of her.

Velma was a member of St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Battle Mountain and the Altar Society. Her funeral was in Battle Mountain on Monday at 11 a.m. at St. John Bosco Catholic Church.

Cedar Rapids Gazette, 22 July 2008, 7b