(Dorothea) Velma Ratley, 80, of Indianapolis, went to be with her Heavenly Father September 13, 2019. She was born April 22, 1939, in Urmston, Lancashire, England, the daughter of Samuel and Doris Holden.

     Velma graduated from the Flixton Secondary School for Girls in Flixton, England.  After secondary school, she enrolled and graduated from secretarial school. Velma emigrated with her husband and children to the United States in 1968 in search of better opportunities. She worked as a secretary for General Cinemas District Office and later with Dale & Eke Law Firm before retiring. Velma married Patrick Ratley in 1996 and they celebrated 23 years of marriage together.  

     Velma was a member of the Britannia Club and Variety Club. She loved to garden, knit, paint, and enjoyed baking, especially during the holiday season. She treasured her English traditions and passed those along to her friends and family. Velma will always be remembered for her kind and giving heart. She gave to many charities, but closest to her heart were the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Humane Society.

    In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Graham Holden and stepmother Doreen Holden.  Surviving in addition to her beloved husband Patrick Ratley, are her daughter, Debra Broyles of South Charleston, Ohio; and her son Richard Kennedy and his wife, Wendy of Elizabeth, Indiana; Sister-in-law, Lesley Holden of Tarleton, England; five grandchildren, Kelcie and Adam Broyles, and Emily, Erica and Andrew Kennedy; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Tootsie. 

    A service of remembrance will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 12 at Harry W Moore Chapel, 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis. Pastor Ron Polly will preside.  Visitation will be from 10 a.m to 11 a.m. A Celebration of Life reception will follow the service until 2pm. Those who wish to remember Velma in a special way may make a gift in her memory to the American Lung Association.