Velma R. Primrose

Velma R. Primrose, 99, of Grand Island, passed away on June 11, 2025, with her loving family by her side at CHI Health - St. Francis in Grand Island.

To honor her wishes, Velma’s body was cremated. A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Westlawn Memorial Park in Grand Island. A Celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the Community Center in Wood River. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Jacobsen-Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home in St. Paul is assisting the family.

Velma was born on January 16, 1926, to Roy and Viola (Wilson) Jacobs in Cotesfield, NE. She attended North Loup School, graduating in 1942. She was united in marriage to David Barnhart in 1946. He passed away in 1964. Velma later married Raymond Primrose in 1968. They lived in Grand Island. He passed away in 1997.

Velma was employed by Kemper’s Furnace Co., Skagway, Ordinance Plant as a kettle operator, Treasurer’s Office at the Court House until she was 77, and helped at her son, Darick’s Paint and Body Shop. She was a “permanent fixture” at the Garage Mall in Grand Island, Nebraska. Velma found joy in playing card games, with Crazy 8's being her favorite. She was loved by all who knew her, and she never met a stranger!!!

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Randall F. (Renee) Barnhart Lump and family; Daniel (Cookie) Barnhart, Sharrilane Barnhart, Darick (Linda Corr) Barnhart, Shannilee (Greg) Cramer; grandchildren, Crystal (Mike) Nelson, Danielle Barnhart, Jordan Barnhart (Danelle Hassleman, Abby (Andrew) Nyce; great-grandchildren, Zachary and Andrew Nelson, Marissa (Jayson) Keadle, Savannah Barnhart, and Paysley Nyce; great-great grandchildren,. Noelani, Aspen, Sterling Kneadle, and Theia; many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, David Barnhart; her second husband, Raymond Primrose; parents, Roy and Viola Jacobs; brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and (Betty) Jacobs; niece, Susan Adams.