Velma Maxine Cortum, age 92, of Washington, Iowa, died Monday, July 14, 2014, at the United Presbyterian Home in Washington.

Celebration of life services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 18, 2014 at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home in Washington with Pastor Marlene Janssen officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Friday at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. A memorial has been established for Camp Courageous. Online condolences may be sent for Velma's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com

Velma was born November 6, 1921, in Washington County, Iowa, the daughter of Everette and Lela (Smith) Beenblossom. She attended school in Washington. Velma was united in marriage to Harold Cortum on January 1, 1942 in Kahoka, Missouri. She was a member of the First Christian Church and of the community YMCA in Washington.

Velma is survived by her niece, Margaret "Peg" Shepherd of Washington, IA; nephew, Edward Hahn and wife Sharon of Keota, IA; great-nephew, Mark Hahn of Lewisville, TX; great-nephew, Lonnie Hahn and wife Tabitha of Washington, IA; great-niece, Paula Celania and husband Joe of Lucas, TX; great-nephew, Jason Shepherd and wife Teresa of Washington, IA; great-niece, Megan Coakley and husband Aaron of Wayland, IA; and great-nephew, Brian Shepherd of Washington, IA.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Cortum, in 1997, her sister, Ada Hahn and her parents.