Velma June Inglett was born on June 26, 1936, to parents Noble Inglett and Viola (Smith) Inglett. She grew up on the Inglett ranch near Lucas SD and became an able assistant to her father in raising and selling registered Hereford cattle. This talent would serve her well in her future role.

Velma attended elementary school in a one-room country schoolhouse near her parents' ranch. Velma's mother, like that of her future husband, had been a teacher. Velma attended high school in Burke SD where she graduated in 1954. She worked for a time at the Missouri Valley Insurance Agency. She married Neil Burkinshaw of rural Jamison NE, whom she had met in Burke High School, on August 1st of 1955.

Velma became the mother of four children – giving birth to all of them within a six-year period. She instilled within them the work ethic and sense of responsibility that were so much a part of her character.

Her children have many fond memories of their mom: Velma loved to watch calves frolic, butterflies in the garden, dragon flies at stock dams. She would lol before lol was cool as she watched the young calves frolic.

In summer, Velma would go out in the cool of the evening, water her flowers, and have a peaceful time, no matter how stressful the season of life. Many neighbors and friends were recipients of the beautiful flower arrangements she crafted from her garden, arranged in vases from her collection.

In addition to the responsibilities that are common to a wife and mother, Velma became a dynamic partner to Neil in his ranching endeavor, checking on the cows at all hours of the day and night during calving season, feeding hay, herding cattle on her beloved horse Smokey, wielding a branding iron.

Velma loved spending time with each of her grandchildren and introducing them to the unique wonders of the ranching lifestyle. They looked forward to each visit – basking in Grandma's affection and enjoying her special culinary skills.

Velma was preceded in death by her son, Bryan, by her husband, Neil, and by 5 of her 6 siblings. She is survived by her sons, Dana and Clark, by her daughter, Lisa Hart, and by her sister, Lila Baez. Velma has 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and one-of-a-kind grandma.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke.  Burial will be in the Spotted Tail Cemetery, Jamison, Nebraska.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.