Velma Mae Bote (Skinner), 96, of Wright City passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, surrounded by her family at her home. She was born April 11, 1926, in Jonesburg, MO, to Edgar S. Skinner and Edna Mae Millikan.
She met and married Robert Bote on August 5, 1945, and to this union, three children were born: Betty, Mary Sue and Robert (Bob) M. Bote. She worked at the Gossart Garment Factory in Troy for many years until it closed, and then she worked at the Wright City R-II School District lunchroom for a few years before retiring.
Velma is survived by her two loving daughters, Betty L. Eppard and husband Jerry, and Mary Sue Sitton; grandchildren, Francis Scott Hunn and wife Theresa, Dusty Eppard and wife Christy, Shelly Bote Hayden and husband Michael, Robert W. Bote and wife Jody, and Shannon Johnson and husband Brian; great-grandchildren, Brittany Westermier and husband Andrew, Ethan Hunn, Ryan Hunn, Andy Eppard, Jimmy Milliner, Cole, Dean, and Wade Bote, and one on the way; and great-great-grandchildren, Katlyn, Caleb and Daniel.
Velma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Bote; son, Robert M. Bote; grandson, Byron Hunn; son-in-law, Wayne Sitton; brother, B.W. Skinner and wife Anna; and sister, Mary Jane Sick and husband Walter.
Visitation for Velma will be held Thursday, Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon at Pitman Funeral Home in Wright City. Funeral services will begin at noon, also at the funeral home, with interment to follow in Jonesburg City Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to Jonesburg City Cemetery or to a charity of the donor’s choice in care of Pitman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 126, Warrenton, MO 63383.
