Velda Lorraine (Hollenbeck) Stum was born on a farm near Arnold, KS on Sept. 15, 1918 to Homer and Dorothy Rankin Hollenbeck and was the oldest of 3 children. She peacefully left this life on July 21, 2009 at the age of 90 years joining her husband in heaven. Lorraine's early years were spent with her family on various farms in Ness, Russell, Barton and Hodgeman counties. Lorraine graduated from Jetmore High School, class of 1936. She loved to go to barn dances and played piano with a local dance band. Lorraine attended Fort Hays College and earned her teaching certificate. She returned to Jetmore and taught at Laurel School, a one room school house west of Jetmore, for three years.

Lorraine married Ralph Stum of Ness City, KS on June 10, 1939. In 1941 they moved to Ness County and began raising cattle and farming. For 61 years, Lorraine farmed and ranched alongside her life time friend, partner and husband, Ralph. Her love was the farm south of Ness City where she and Ralph raised four children, Larry, Linda, Bette, and Marlene. Lorraine loved animals, fishing, and many family vacations to the Colorado mountains. She consistently demonstrated the importance of caring for others in need, embracing and loving family no matter what, strength and resilience, a sense of humor, and gentle kindness.

Lorraine will always be remembered for her creativity and artistic talents. She designed on canvas as well as on fabrics, creating many oil paintings, quilts, clothes, home furnishings, and county fair booths in her lifetime. In 1973 she designed and created a needlepoint depicting life in Ness County; permanently on display in Topeka at the State Capital.

Lorraine had a deep faith in God, was a member of The United Methodist Church, active in Adah Circle, and lent her talents to create banners, sing in the choir, and teach Sunday School. Lorraine was a caring and patient teacher and touched many lives as a volunteer 4-H club and project leader for 12+ years. She was also a long time contributing member of the Rosedale Club and Triple H Extension Club. Lorraine was a dedicated member of the Ness County Historical Society; designing window displays, organizing activities, and helping in any way that was needed.

Lorraine moved to Bramley Place senior housing in Jetmore in the fall of 2002; continuing to manage the family farms. In 2007 she moved to assisted living in Roseville, MN to be closer to her daughter, Marlene and husband Don. She continued to enjoy her passion for music and dancing in her later years.

Preceding her in death are her husband Ralph and son, Larry. Surviving are her daughters Linda (Bob) Stull of Blaine, WA, Bette (Jim) Knight of Santa Fe, NM, Marlene Stum (Don Smith) of Shoreview, MN; grandchildren Pamela Cook-Hergott (Al), Stephana (Reid) Campion, Kevin (Susanne) Knight, Erika (Steve) Beckley and Jennifer (Lee) Cross; great-grandchildren Zachary, Jacob & Ari Hergott, Jose & Benjamin Knight, and Morgan Beckley. Also surviving is a sister Cleo Craig in Washington; brother Marvin Hollenbeck of California; and sister-in-law Opal Dupps of Colorado.

A memorial service will be held at The United Methodist Church, Ness City Kansas on Sunday, July 26, 2009, 3:00 PM. Family members will hold a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in the Ness City Cemetery. Friends and family are encouraged to join in a luncheon at the church following burial to continue celebrating Lorraine's life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Smoky Hills Public Television, The United Methodist Church of Ness City, or the Ness County Historical Society.