Known for her calm, nurturing manner, limitless patience, and dedication to helping others, Velma Ruth Siegrist Zimmerman exemplifies the ideal nurse. For more than fifty years, Velma has meant the difference between healing and suffering for countless patients, friends, and family. Although she retired as Director of Nursing at the Hearthstone Nursing Center in St. John, Kansas in 1986, Velma still returns to consult and substitute when needed. She is a pillar of strength in the community, loved, and respected by all who have known her caring touch. In February, 2002, Velma was honored by being named Citizen of the Year by the Lions Club of St. John, Kansas.
Petite, dark-haired, with large, luminous brown eyes and boundless energy, Velma is a familiar figure in St. John, the capital of Stafford County and the town in which she has spent almost fifty-two years of her life. She was born in 1917 in rural Hutchinson, Kansas, the sixth of ten children. Her parents, Alpha Siegrist and Hazel Urdine Glass Siegrist farmed in the area. Through the first eight grades, Velma attended a country school, then the high school in Hutchinson. She graduated in 1934, decided upon a nursing career, and entered a junior college for one year. The following year she was admitted into the nurse's training program at Grace Methodist Hospital in Hutchinson. The following years were difficult and challenging: in 1936 an infection took the life of her eldest brother, and in 1939, her mother died suddenly. Velma was determined to leave training and devote herself to the care of her four younger siblings and widowed father. Her father, however, saw things differently and insisted she complete her nursing program. In June 1940 she completed her studies, becoming a registered nurse. Almost immediately thereafter, she found a position. Her supervisor at Grace Methodist knew that Louis Graves, M.D. in St. John needed a nurse. She was interviewed and hired on the spot.
On December 21, 1941, Velma married Dillian McFarland Zimmerman, son of Thomas Israel Zimmerman and Marjorie Ellen Rothrock Zimmerman. A photographer and printer, Dillian was employed at the St. John News. In November 1941, he had enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in Portland, Maine. There, in July 1943, their first child was born: Dillian McFarland, Jr., or "Mac." When Dillian was transferred to Europe, Velma and Mac traveled to St. John. Velma returned to nursing, and continued throughout the war years. In November 1945, Thomas Lee was born to Velma and Dillian. Four more children followed: Judie Ann in 1950, Rex Alan in 1952, Jan Leon in 1955, and Julie Ann in 1959. Throughout the years, while raising six children to successful adulthood, Velma continued her work as a nurse. She assisted Dr. Graves until he died in 1970. Upon his death, Hearthstone Nursing Center, a senior citizen medical facility, offered her a position. Within her first year at the Center, she was appointed director of Nursing, and she remained in that position until she retired.
Velma’s work as a nurse carried over into her role as a private citizen in the community. She contributed many intensive hours to the American Cancer Society and the Shepherd's Center --- and she still does. Always on call, Velma never ceases to assist those in need, giving treatments, injections, removing stitches, and providing comfort at all hours of the day or night. Now a beloved grandmother of twelve, and great-grandmother of five, she spends considerable time "grandma-sitting," and visiting her children, other family members, and friends. At home, when time allows, she enjoys her flowers, reading, crossword puzzles, and the Kansas City Royals --- especially when they win!
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Following is a newspaper article reporting Velma’s selection as St John, Kansas Citizen of the Year by the Lion’s Club, 2002.
Velma Zimmerman named Lions Club Citizen of the Year -
Sitting on the couch in her living room with her lap desk open before her, Velma Zimmerman was quietly working on documenting cancer memorials for Minnis Chapel last Friday afternoon.
This year's Citizen of the Year, Velma Zimmerman, works quietly throughout the community helping people in a variety of ways with little fanfare.
In presenting the award, Lions Club Secretary Vic Martin said, "a familiar adage states 'character is what you do when no one is looking.' While no one was looking Velma Zimmerman demonstrated character distinguished by a caring commitment to help others, serving as an example to all."
Velma ministered to people and their health needs throughout a long career of nursing. She graduated from Hutchinson High School and entered nurses training at Grace Hospital in Hutchinson. Velma said she always wanted to be a nurse and it helped that her best friend also entered nurses training. She graduated in 1940 and came to St. John to work for Dr. Graves. Velma worked as Dr. Graves' office nurse until he passed away.
“We went on a lot of house calls and did a lot of tonsillectomies," Velma said with a smile.
Velma said doctors performed tonsillectomies in their offices back then and most babies were delivered in homes. She has seen a tremendous change in medicine over the course of her career. Laughing, Velma said she meets up with former child patients who tell her, "I remember when you gave me shots." Velma said she had a special technique to give the shots quickly and without much fuss. She also had a special technique for younger children distracting them by saying, "one, two, three, bumblebee," and then zing the shot was over!
Velma and her late husband, Dillian, had six children, who Velma is very proud of. Three of her children reside in St. John - Julie Fox, Mac and Jan Zimmerman - two in Kansas, Judy and Rex, and Tom in Ames, Iowa. Velma has 12 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She loves to visit about all of her family and is still close to her two surviving sisters, who live in Hutchinson.
After Dr. Graves died, Velma worked for Hazel Jordan at the nursing home in St. John for 13 years as director of nursing, switching from a career of helping new life come into the world to helping those getting ready to leave this world. Velma finally retired from nursing but not from helping people in the community.
"Velma does a lot of foot care for a number of people, "Jordan said, "and she does other health related things for people too." Velma has risen to the occasion many times, relieving caregivers, helping make the terminally ill more comfortable and giving advice and care when asked. She quietly assists people when they are at their lowest, dealing with illness and loss.
Velma is also a member of the Stafford County Historical Society Board, she is not sure how many years she has been on the board, and is on the Hall Museum Annex Board. She has been a member of the Shepherd Center's Board for at least 10 years and serves on the United Methodist Church Board.
Velma continues to touch many lives in St. John and will continue to do so as long as she is able.
Updated 10/24/02 |
