 MEDFORD, VERNIE VELLIA  Vellia Medford, a longtime resident of Albuquerque, passed away peaceful on December 28, 2014 at the age of 90. She loved life and would always be seen with a smile on her face. She was born to Bill and Florence Hayes on July 10, 1924 in Nora Springs, Iowa. Vernie was a member of the Mason City High School basketball team. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, Leroy (Roy) Vellia 1973 and Leroy (Lee) Medford 1998. It was while Vernie was on active duty during World War II that she met both her husbands. Vernie was extremely proud of her military service. From August 1944 to December 1945 she served in the Women's Army Air Corps and was discharged with the rank of E-3. During her time in the WAC she received numerous awards and medals, including a personal letter from President Truman. During her service time she was stationed at the 90th Army Air Force BU at Grenier Field, New Hampshire, at Selfridge Field, Michigan and at Chanute Field, Illinois. It was at Chanute Field that she received her training as a teletype operator. Sgt Roy Vellia was her instructor. After receiving her diploma Vernie worked in the message center. She and Lee Medford ran the relay room in the Message Center. Their duties included sending and receiving control tower messages from the United States and overseas. After Lee's discharge she ran the Relay Room and would have to read the messages and ensure they were routed correctly. Vernie was a charter member of the Women in Military Memorial Foundation. Vernie was voracious reader until macular degeneration robbed her of her eyesight. At the beginning of each year she would reread all of her classic collection, her favorite being "Robinson Crusoe" by Daniel Defoe and "The Beauty of Death" byKahlil Gibran. She loved her casino visits. Vernie leaves behind many cherished craft and painting projects. She was a jack of all trades and did everything both inside and outside the home. Vernie is survived by her daughter Terry Vellia and a special daughter-in-law Anita Landis-Disney, a Mom-Mom to Tammy Medford Hanson and David Medford, Jean Carty her friend she met over 70 years ago during their military service and a special friend Rita Rodriguez. Vernie loved and leaves behind her numerous four legged friends. Cremation has taken place at Gabaldon Mortuary, 1000 Old Coors Drive SW. A celebration of Vernie's life will be held at a future date. Vernie has been a Rio Grande Zoo parent for over 30 years, therefore in lieu of flowers Terry wishes donations be made to the zoo for the care and feeding of the tortoises. Terry thanks all her friends for their prayers and kind words during this difficult period.
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