Velora Ruth Whetman

Velora Ruth Sorensen Whetman, cherished daughter, wife and mother, adored grandmother and great grandmother, lifelong resident of her beloved Draper community, faithful daughter of God and a woman admired by all who knew her, left this world peacefully October 20, 2016 surrounded by her loving daughters and devoted friend and caregiver Evy Chansing.

Born April 9, 1924 in Draper, UT to Parley Reuben and Ivy Jane Dansie Sorensen and positioned right in the middle of two wonderful brothers, George and Neil. She often declared that she had always wanted a sister too. Instead she was blessed with 4 loving daughters. Mom developed many talents including piano, oil painting and singing. A beautiful seamstress, artist and crafter especially with anything involving fabric or yarn, mom created many beautiful things for her family and friends. She was not one to be idle. Her hands were always busy and working.

Mom attended school at Draper Park Elementary and Draper Jr. High where she was a cheerleader. She was a proud Beetdigger at Jordan High, where she was involved in the posture parade, marched with the Charlonians and performed in the school Operetta. She proudly sang the school song up until her final days! She had planned to go to BYU after high school, but with the outbreak of WWII she went to work at Eitel-McCullough making radio tubes for the war. She felt she needed to do her part in the war effort. After working for 2 years, she followed her dream to become a Cougar at BYU where she became an avid fan and rarely missed watching a game.

As a survivor of the Great Depression, mom learned the value of hard work and sacrifice. She married our father March 3, 1947 in the Salt Lake Temple shortly after he returned from the war. She rationed her war coupons in order to buy enough fabric to make her own silk wedding dress. Their relationship was one to emulate. Mom was a great supporter of dad and his family Ford dealership as well as with his efforts as one of the founding directors of Draper Bank and Trust. Mom was active in her community and served in various ways. She was the Draper historian preserving the Draper history newspaper articles for over 35 years. A member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, PTA, Lions Club and the American Legion Auxiliary as well as the Draper Arts Council. She was awarded the first 'Woman of Achievement' Award in Draper. She also served on the park restoration committee for the Draper Heritage Park which sits in perfect view from her front porch that she loved so much. She supplied Al Rounds the needed history and photos for the painting he rendered for Draper City. Mom's ever ready camera captured many community activities and most importantly the wonderful family events that have become our history. Together mom and dad donated a small parcel of land where moms pioneer home was transferred to rest peacefully close by. This pioneer home which served as our playground growing up has become a beautiful asset to the community as the Sorensen Home Museum.

As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, mom served in various capacities in Primary, Sunday School and Relief Society. Some of our favorite memories are of mom leading the music. Her hand was always moving to the rhythm and her beautiful soprano voice always singing. She loved singing with her chorus and dear friends in the ward and community and especially enjoyed the special times leading her great grandchildren as they gathered around her piano. She indeed "put the music in all of us."

Mom's home was brightly decorated for each and every holiday and our whole house would sing in celebration. Mom was the light of our lives. She made our house a home. She created a warm loving place to gather where all were welcome. Her creative and fun family traditions have bonded us together. Mom always had "time" for us and for anyone in need. She could look past her own "to do list" while helping us with ours, all the while adding her own sparkle and personality.

Mom was our own little energizer bunny as we love to call her. She had a heart of gold which was proven in her last few weeks as life became harder and she became weaker. Her heart was too strong to let her go and ours too weak to tell her she could. No matter what was happening to her tiny body, she greeted each new day with, "What are we going to do today, what should I wear!"

Survived by her daughters, the "Four V's and their husbands, Vicki Lee (Robert Q Soffe), Orange, CA, Valerie (Dr. Stephen R Terry), SLC, UT, Venna Jane (Daris C Rice), Draper, UT and Georgia Valaine (Robert S Brown), Draper, UT. Also survived by 13 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren and her beloved brother, Neil R. Sorensen.

Preceded in death by her husband, George Phillips Whetman; granddaughter, Jeni Soffe; grandson, Christopher Terry; parents, Reub and Ivy Sorensen; brother, George A Sorensen.

Special thanks to Dr. Grant Hawkins, caregiver Marilou and to Legacy Home Health, Colleen, Ashlie, January Brett and granddaughter Kira for their loving kindness in moms behalf. And most importantly to moms best friend throughout the last 10 years, Evy Chansing. What a light you have been to all who know you!

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Friday, October 28th at the Draper 12th Ward, 12353 South, 600 East, Draper, UT.  A viewing will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 27th at Anderson & Goff Mortuary, 11859 South 700 East, Draper, UT and also from 10:30-11:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment, Draper City Cemetery, 12441 South 900 East, Draper, UT

Oh, and mom...it's a beautiful day and you are indeed "That Wonderful Mother of Mine."