Velma Ruth Childs
October 16, 1923 – January 6, 2026

Velma Ruth Childs, age 102, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026 in her home in Redcrest. Velma was born on October 16, 1923, in Mattole, to Ray and Maude Hunter. In true Mattole fashion, she was placed in a dresser drawer in the kitchen until the doctor could arrive. She was raised in Mattole and remained deeply connected to the valley throughout her life. During her high school and college years, she lived away from home but returned to Mattole on weekends. She graduated from Ferndale High School and later earned her teaching degree from Humboldt State University.

In 1946, she married Robert Childs and moved to his family ranch in Redcrest, where they raised their two sons, Steven Childs and Robin Childs. Robert Childs, her first husband and the father of her children, passed away in 1997. Velma later married Earl Titus in 1999, and they remained married until his passing in 2004.

Velma devoted 33 years to teaching, serving generations of students throughout Humboldt County. She taught in Crannell, Carlotta, Weott, Redway and later returned to Weott, where she completed her teaching career. She was deeply beloved as an educator, and even in her later years, her family would frequently encounter former students who remembered her with great affection.

Her family was very active in the Mattole Valley, and Velma continued that legacy throughout her life. She remained active with the Mattole Valley Historical Society, the Southern Humboldt Garden Club and the Redcrest Community Grange. She was a founding member of the Weott Christian Church and was one of the longest-standing members of the North Coast Division of the California Retired Teachers Association. Ferndale remained dear to her throughout her life, and she faithfully read the Ferndale Enterprise, staying closely connected to the community she loved.

Of all the loves of Velma’s life, her greatest love was Jesus. Her faith shaped how she lived, how she loved others and how she served her community. She found deep joy in talking with others about her faith and in teaching children Sunday school lessons. For a time, many of the children in the town of Redcrest would come to her home after school for a snack and a lesson about Jesus — moments she cherished and that left a lasting impact on those she taught. Another favorite after-school tradition was sharing ice cream with her granddaughter Kara while they watched The Love Boat. Velma had a lifelong love of ice cream and milkshakes, a simple pleasure she never outgrew.

Velma loved hosting family and friends at the ranch in Redcrest. Many people carry fond memories of hayrides, square dancing parties, vibrant Fourth of July celebrations, big Easter parties and other gatherings filled with laughter and connection. One of her most treasured features of the property was the historic one-room schoolhouse — one of only eight still standing in the United States. She delighted in giving guided tours, ensuring every visitor signed the guest book and sharing the “Rules for Teachers” from the 1800s. She also served as a docent at the Centerville Schoolhouse during the Humboldt County Fair, a place especially meaningful to her, as she had attended that school as a child.

Velma enjoyed gardening, square dancing and traveling, especially with family and friends. She traveled to 36 states and several foreign countries, taking many memorable trips with dear friends Ardith and Betty.

Mornings often began with one of Velma’s favorite rituals — sharing coffee and a pastry with Paul. As the day went on, she could often be found outdoors, walking with her walker, two cats faithfully alongside her, searching for the perfect sunny spot to sit and enjoy the day. Her love for people, history, learning and the land itself defined her life and left a lasting mark on all who knew her.

Velma loved games and could outplay nearly anyone at Scrabble, Solitaire and Upwords. She also enjoyed doing puzzles, often spending time working on them with her caregiver, Beth. In her later years, Velma enjoyed getting out and about for simple outings—getting her nails done, going for car rides (even when the destination was a doctor’s appointment), shopping, running errands and going out to lunch. Many of these everyday activities were shared with her granddaughter, Becca and brought Velma great enjoyment.

Evenings were a cherished ritual, centered around nightly dinners made with love by Val and enjoyed with Robin, Becca and whoever else joined for the evening. The nights often ended with favorite films — frequently Hallmark movies, and for a memorable stretch of time, an impressively long Star Trek marathon — followed by being tucked in for the night, moments for which Velma was always deeply grateful.

Velma also enjoyed lunch dates and outings to town with her special companion, Keith Sperry. She treasured visits from her nieces and nephews, including Mary and Lars, as well as time spent with friends who stopped by over the years. Saturdays often found Velma riding around the ranch with her son Steve, something she truly loved and looked forward to. She was deeply grateful for the many caregivers who supported her over the years, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Maude Hunter; her husbands, Robert Childs and Earl Titus; her siblings, Wesley Hunter (2003), Daniel Hunter (2001) and Virginia Hunter (Mast, Curzon, Tuxon) (2001); her nephew John Curzon (2005); her niece Joan Curzon Miller (Terry) (2024); her nephew James Mast (2012); and several of her lifelong friends, including Ardith Thompson Bilyeu, Betty Teasley, Doris Chartier and Janice Peers Slack, among many others.She is survived by her sons, Steven Childs and Robin Childs, her daughter-in-law Val Childs; her grandchildren, Kara Childs and Rebecca Childs; her great-grandchildren, Jayden Zamudio and Jensen Stephens, who lovingly knew her as “GG”; her special companion, Keith Sperry; her nieces and nephews, including Mary Larson (Lars), Billy Hunter, Daniel Hunter and Ray Mast; numerous cousins; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Service Information: Services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Goble’s Mortuary, 560 12th Street, Fortuna.

Viewing will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the service at 10 a.m. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mattole Valley Historical Society or the Southern Humboldt Garden Club.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Velma Childs’ family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.