Velma Satterfield

Velma Satterfield, a Merced educator, passed away Friday, November 19, 2004.  She was born a twin on July 20, 1933 to parents Warren and Rose (Kellerman) Reidelberger in Pinckneyville.  On November 11, 1950, she began her 54-year marriage to Raymond Eugene Gene Satterfield.  In 1959 they moved to Merced, California with their two children.
In 1961, Velma began college at the encouragement of her friend and mentor, Gloria Thomas.  She was a graduate of the first Merced College graduating class.  She continued her education at C.S.U. Stanislaus and Fresno Pacific College, earning M.A. degrees in Reading and Education Administration.
Mrs. Satterfield began her teaching career at McSwain Elementary School, eventually serving as their Principal/Superintendent.  Career moves led her to multiple administrative positions in the Merced County Office of Education where she retired in 1992.  She continued to teach for Chapman University, Fresno  Pacific and C.S. U. Stanislaus, influencing and mentoring future teachers until 1997.  She volunteered in Merced area schools through June of 2004.  Velma worked to establish the Merced/Stanislaus Area Reading Association Council, later splitting into two councils (M.A.R.A.).  The Merced County Writing Festival flourished under her direction for many years.  She was a member of A.A.U.W.
Velma is survived by her husband, Gene Satterfield; daughter and son-in-law, Terrie and John Rohrer; son and daughter-in-law, Steven and D.J. Satterfield and grandchildren, Jeana Rohrer, Rebekah and Casey Ruggles and Michael Satterfield.  She was great-grandmother to Ethan Ruggles.  She is survived by two sisters, her twin, Zeb Davis of Merced, Calif.  and Erma Erwin of Tamaroa.  Her brother- and sisters-in-law include:  Walter Satterfield, Ruby  Brock, Louise and Olin Galloway, Juanita Porter and Pat Reidelberger.  She leaves many nieces, nephews and great nieces/nephews and close friends who were all very important people in her life.
She was preceded death by her parents, Warren Reidelberger and Rose (Kellerman) Reidelberger Schwartzkopf; step-father, Louis Schwartzkopf and brother, Melvin Reidelberger.
A celebration of Velmas life was held at the Atwater Baptist Church, 2124 First St., Atwater, CA 95301 on Wednesday, November 24 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Steven Satterfield officiating.
Remembrances in her honor may be made to McSwain Education Foundation, 926 N. Scott Road, Merced, CA 95340.  In Velmas memory, please take time to read to a child or volunteer a few hours at a school.
Arrangements were under the direction of Whitton Family Funeral Service.
