YOUNG, Velma Rose

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Friday, February 07, 2014 Velma Rose Young passed away peacefully with family surrounding her on Jan. 30, 2014, in Prescott, Ariz. Velma was a vibrant, fun-loving person who was known for her sense of humor and beautiful smile. As a child of the Great Depression, she was one of a dying breed of women who truly embody the pioneer spirit of never shrinking from hard work and living life to the fullest. Born Jan. 7, 1922, in Bend, Ore., Velma's family moved to the coast and settled in Coos Bay. One of six children, Velma left home at the height of the depression to work on a nearby ranch where she developed a lifelong love of horses and the outdoors. After graduating high school as valedictorian, Velma took what little work was available, from office worker to logging camp cook, but longed to return to the ranch life. When another rancher offered her a job, she jumped at the chance. It was there that she met and married the love of her life, Hugh Shepherd. Hugh was a handsome, free-spirited horse trader with a sense of adventure. Together they traveled the fair and rodeo circuit, where Velma often rode horses in match races. Breaking, training and trading horses throughout southern Oregon became the Young family's business. In 1961, with three children and a load of trading stock, they moved to Paradise Valley, Ariz. Hot summers were spent in the high country near Christopher Creek where they ran a dude string and guided pack trips. The family spent their summers in camp with Velma cooking over an open fire, leading trail rides and managing the business. In subsequent summers, they traveled to Prescott and ran dude strings at Copper Basin Stable and Watson Lake. In 1967, Velma and her husband purchased the first house they had ever owned at 530 Fairgrounds Ave., adjacent to Prescott Downs and the Rodeo Grounds. Velma worked at the racetrack as a "hot walker" cooling off the race horses and later as a ticket and program seller. She had a following of people that always wanted her hot tips for upcoming races. Her little horse property was well known to the trainers, owners and jockeys and there was always a horse or two for sale or trade at Velma's. Hugh passed away in 1984, and Velma eventually married Richard Young, a kind and caring man who shared her love of the outdoors and hiking. At this time, Velma established Young's Little Farm, where she was famous for her organic vegetables and gorgeous flowers. With the help of Prescott College students, she ran a farm stand and even sold greens to the Raven Cafe. Everyday people would stop along the road and tell her how much they enjoyed her flowers while driving by. She received numerous thank you notes, pictures and even paintings from grateful recipients of the beauty she created. After Richard passed away, Velma became a Forest Service Volunteer, helping to patrol and maintain Prescott trails. Even though she was now in her 80s, she continued to work, hike and ride horses throughout the Prescott trail system. Riding in the Prescott Frontier Days Parade with the Forest Service waving to the crowd like a rodeo queen was a highlight of her later years. Velma was a loving wife and mother, master gardener, avid horsewoman, hiker and a true friend to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by her son Monty Shepherd; daughter Melody Huttinger; seven grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren. Information provided by survivors.