Velma Stout Atwell, 85, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., sister of Dorothy Gatewood of Rector, died Thursday, July 27, 2006, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Mrs. Atwell was born Feb. 26, 1921, in Harviell, Mo., to the late George Everett and Florence (Bruce) Stout. She attended the Lord's Chapel Church and had retired as an assistant cafeteria supervisor. She enjoyed spending time with her family, sewing, gardening and reading.

She was married in 1942 to James Randell Atwell, who preceded her in death Nov. 21, 1979.

Also preceding her in death were four brothers, Otis Rideout, Loyd Stout, Aubert Stout and Leroy Stout.

Survivors include one son, James R. Atwell Jr. of California; one daughter, Charlotte Atwell Coolidge of Poplar Bluff; five grandchildren, Troy Ann Atwell, Toni Marie Atwell, David Wayne Atwell, Terry Lynn Atwell and Jennifer DeeAnn Stevens; two great-grandchildren, Bradon Michael Atwell and DeeAnna Stevens, and three other sisters, Alma Blunt of Naylor, Mo., Mildred Robertson of Arnold, Mo., and Vera Jones of Poplar Bluff.

Funeral services were in Cotrell Funeral Chapel at Poplar Bluff with Rev. Rowdy Boyer officiating. Burial was in Kinsey Cemetery in Butler County.