Velma F. Crawford

Velma Fay (Graham) Crawford, 85, of Blairsville, PA passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg, PA.

The daughter of Clyde and Nellie (Clawson) Graham, she was born August 19, 1931 in Torrance, PA.

Velma was an active and devoted member of The United Presbyterian Church, Blairsville. She served as a deacon and was instrumental with many activities in the fellowship hall. She worked with funeral dinners and organized the monthly WyoTech lunches for students. She volunteered with the elderly at St. Andrew’s Village, Indiana, and with the food bank at the church. She was also a member of the former Blairsville Chapter #166 Order of the Eastern Star.

She graduated from Derry High School in 1949, worked at Federal Lab, Tunnelton, in the 50’s and she was the owner of Crawford’s Auto Body Shop, Inc., Blairsville, co-founded with her husband, Russell G. Crawford.

She enjoyed playing cards and bowling with her friends, going to Blairsville High School sporting events and following the Blairsville Community Band.

Surviving are a daughter-in-law, Deb Crawford of Blairsville; three children, son, Richard P. Crawford (Donna) of Blairsville; daughter, Robin F. Ostach (Carl) of Beaver Falls and son, Roger C. Crawford (Patty) of Mt. Pleasant; nine grandchildren, Brandon Crawford (fiancé, Ami); Cody Crawford (Tonia); Clint Crawford; Nicholas Crawford (Kristi); Maria Crawford; Cory Ostach (fiancé, Grace); Kristen Ostach; Robert Crawford and Joseph Crawford; two great grandchildren, Chase Crawford and Kendal Crawford and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Russell G. in 1990; her son, Ray in 2009 and a brother, Robert Graham in 2013.

The family will receive friends from 12 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. Sunday at the Shoemaker Funeral Home, Inc., 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, PA. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday at The United Presbyterian Church, 137 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, PA with Rev. Timothy R. Monroe officiating.

Interment will be in the Blairsville Cemetery, Blairsville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the WyoTech Fund at The Blairsville United Presbyterian Church or to a charity of your choice, in memory of Velma.