Velma Lucille Taggart, age 78, of Thief River Falls, MN, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls, MN.

Velma was born on March 18, 1947, in Xenia, Illinois, the daughter of Charles Andrew and Dorothy Mae (Moore) Hall. She was baptized into the Christian faith and attended school through high school, laying the foundation for a life marked by compassion, resilience, and dedication.

She was united in marriage to LeRoy Bever, and to this union a wonderful daughter, Toni, was born. In 1973, the family made their home outside of Plummer, MN, and in 1976, they settled in Thief River Falls, MN, where Velma remained a cherished member of the community. In 1980 Velma married Rodney Taggart and together they created a successful trucking company before divorcing. In 1986 Velma met and spent many memorable years with special partner Jerry Hunt until recently moving into the Skylight Apartments and then to the Thief River Care Center.

On January 7, 1976, Velma was hired in Thief River Falls as a part-time car marker at the rate of $2.20 per hour. Her dedication and strong work ethic quickly stood out, and just three months later, the city council approved a raise to $2.75 per hour. Velma walked a nearly 20-mile parking route each day for approximately two years before advancing to a three-wheel gasoline-powered vehicle, affectionately known as "the 3-wheeler."

In addition to her work as a car marker, Velma also served part-time as a corrections officer for the Pennington County Sheriff's Office from 1990 to 2003. Her responsibilities at the Law Enforcement Center far exceeded her job title. As her colleagues fondly shared, "We looked to Velma as a caretaker, a shoulder to cry on, and our provider for everything from candy to needle and thread to super glue. Thank you, Velma." She will be deeply missed by her friends from the LEC.

Velma also worked at DigiKey for a couple of years, where she continued to demonstrate her dedication and reliability in every task she took on.

She found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Velma especially enjoyed gardening and sewing, spending countless hours nurturing her plants and creating beautiful pieces with her hands. Her love of animals was known by all as she often adopted strays that appeared on her doorstep. Her hobbies reflected her nurturing spirit and creativity.

Survivors include her loving daughter, Toni (Matt) Nemec of Plummer, MN; grandchildren, Alan (fiancée Megan Hanson) Nemec and Justin Nemec; sisters, Margaret (Tim) McAleese and Nina (Terry) Dunning; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Dorothy Hall.

Velma will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her devotion to those she loved, and the kindness she extended to everyone she met. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and friends.

A gathering time for family and friends will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Burial will be in Bonaparte, IA at a later date.