Velda Schubert

Velda R. Wilburn Schubert, age 82, of New Philadelphia died early Wednesday, May 10, 2017 in Union Hospital at Dover following a period of declining health.

Born at Chickasha, Oklahoma on February 15, 1935, a daughter of the late Elmer and Thelma Warner Wilburn, Velda married her college sweetheart, Joseph Schubert on September 11, 1954.

Early on in their lives together, Velda and Joe ministered to a Yugoslavian congregation in the Akron area. They continued their ministries for many years at the Akron Assembly of God church where Velda served as the church Librarian, gave of herself in the Women’s Ministry, Catering Committee, Choir and most of all focused-on teaching younger children to love Jesus. She and Joe later relocated to New Philadelphia to join the ministry team at Lifeway Church where she continued teaching small children, also served as the church Librarian, and the Food Pantry ministry. Velda remained active in these roles and many more until the age of 79 when she underwent open heart surgery.

Professionally, Velda served Emerge Ministries for 17 years as a receptionist and was affectionately known as the “Voice of Emerge” and was most often the first line of service to those in need.

She will be deeply missed by her husband of 62 years, Joe; their daughters, Ruthie (Larry) Fletcher of New Philadelphia, Cindy (Howard) Nesmith of Arkansas, Linda (John) Harris of Colorado, and Terri (Scott) Mulder of Texas; 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Velda’s family takes comfort in knowing she has earned her eternal reward by joining her heavenly father, earthly parents, sister, other family members and loved ones.

The family will receive guests on Monday, May 15, 2017 from 4-7 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A service celebrating Velda’s life will be led by her son-in-law, Pastor Larry Fletcher, on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 10:30 AM in LifeWay Church at New Philadelphia. Private burial will take place in Greenlawn Cemetery at Akron.

Memorial contributions in Velda’s name may be directed to LifeWay Church 742 Cookson Avenue, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.