Portell, Mary Velma (nee Courtway), September 17, 1933-December 13, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Bob Portell. Dear mother of Bonnie Ritland of Kirkwood, Tim Portell of Arnold, Patricia Hitchens of O’Fallon, Mo., Bruce Portell of Imperial and the late Don Portell. Dear grandmother of Tonia Paul, Kerri Jungeberg, Jamie Mercer and Ashley Jones. Dear great grandmother of Dominic, Dillon and Mikayla Paul, Mackenzie, Arianna, Isabella, Christina and Sara Jungeberg, Jaxon, Jace and Jordyn Mercer, Maddoxx, Makynna and Roman Jones. Dear sister of Dorothy Coleman, Viola Thebeau and Carol Olaker. Our dear mother-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, great aunt, cousin and friend.
Memorial visitation at Kutis South County Chapel 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. Thursday December 21, 4:00 pm until memorial service at 6:00m pm. Service concludes at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Nazareth Living Center at nazarethlivingcenter.org appreciated.
She was my second mom. Sweet, loving, kind and I love her. She will never be forgotten. I love you Velma, and you will be truly missed.
Your Momma looks so Beautiful!!! I am so sorry for your Famiky and all of us who love your Momma!!! Thank You Jesus for taking Velma Home to live a life of Glory forever with you HEAVENLY FATHER!!! LOVE YOU Bonnie, Patty,Timmy, Brucey and Family!!!❤️
She forever left a lifetime of memories for my family and I!! Will miss her so much!
I will always remember my special relationship with Aunt Velma. I will cherish it always. I know she’s already dancing in the sky. Rip Aunt Velma I luv you ❤️
Velma made the best pies! Even though she had 5 kids, she always welcomed my sisters and I to her home. Our families vacationed together for years. When she laughed, her face crinkled with humor. I have many fond memories of her!
Will truly miss this special woman. Not only was a neighbor, was like another mother and friend. When I would go home-I always stopped in to visit her too. Loved our bowling too. Will never forget the time she fell over the line into lane and buzzer didn’t go off till she crawled back across the line. Will miss you dearly Velma.
She was a second mom to me , I could tell her anything and she never judged me no matter what I told her. My heart is broken. A beautiful lady inside and out. So many laughs and some cries together . Forever in my heart. Thank you for a lifetime or great memories Velma Lou.
My heart and prayers are with you !
She was a big part of my life , I could tell her anything and she never judged me. Or anyone ever. My heart is broken. A beautiful lady inside and out. So many laughs and some cries together . Forever in my heart. Thank you for a lifetime or great memories Velma Lou.
My heart and prayers are with you !
We had a special bond. I could tell her anything. Forever in my heart Velma. Thank you for all the memories.
So so sorry, Pat. I’m sending cyber hugs and saying prayers for you and your family. May the happy memories outweigh the grief 🩷
Wonderful,amazing,gentle angel.That what Mary was.So compassionate about others,even when she was in distress.She is finally happy and free.Fly our little angel,enjoy your freedom.
Velma was a precious lady who worked hard in her life taking care of her family and the friends of her kids, and there were many friends flocking in an out of her house! I spend many overnights there with my dear friend, Pat, so I considered her another mother to me. I know she will be missed by many people, but hopefully all those great memories will bring comfort.
I have known Mary since 1979. She gave me the nickname “Ziggy”. Throughout the years we always kept in touch. She would have me over for lunch or we would meet for lunch. Mary was the sweetest and the most kind hearted person ever. Very proud of her children and all of the grandchildren. I lost touch with her the last couple of years. I tried to get in touch to check on her but I was not able.
I am absolutely heartbroken.. Heaven has definitely gained an Angel. I Love You,
Mary !!!
Your mom looks so pretty in this picture. Sending prayers and love to you and your family. Jeff & Kathy
Always enjoyed going to Aunt Velma’s. She was so kind. She made me a dress when I was a teen. She was a good aunt and will be missed.
Prayers and hugs to her family.
Beautiful picture of a special lady! So many of my childhood and even adult memories include your mom and the entire Portell family! You are all more than neighbors, you are family and while we celebrate Velma being in heaven, we grieve with you in the loss of your mom here on earth. Praying for peace and comfort for your family!! Velma you will be missed!!
Beautiful picture of the sweetest lady/neighbor. I was so sorry to hear the news of her passing! I’m sure Bob is happy to have her back with him. Prayers for your family at this most difficult time. God Bless!