Neese

Velma Ann Neese, 95, of Mars, passed away Saturday morning, Sept. 6, 2025.

She was born in Tarentum, Pa., on Dec. 14, 1929, to a coal miner and his wife, Herbert and Laura Rittman Wood.

Velma enjoyed 66 years of marriage to her husband, Raymond Neese, who passed away 12 years ago. Together, they raised their family of five children in her beloved town of Mars.

Velma enjoyed volunteering for many local organizations throughout her years. She was a secretary for Treesdale Farms for 19 years. In 1953, Velma and Ray joined Old Union Church and remained faithful members till their deaths. Her church activities included Willing Workers and Woman’s Association, and she was a deacon. In her lifetime, she volunteered for Meals on Wheels, Days for Girls and Mars AARP.

The joy of her life was her five children, eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Her children are Sherry Basciano, of Derry, Pa.; Diana Kelly (Paul), of Hudson, Fla.; Linda Millson (Jim), of Middlesex Township; David Neese (Janice), of Middlesex Township; and Jeff Neese (Robin), of Mars.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Helen McMullen and Dorothy Markich; her brothers, Ira and Francis Wood; and her son-in-law, Norman Basciano.

Velma will be remembered for her love of her family and community. She lived each day with unwavering faith in her Lord.

NEESE — Friends of Velma Ann Neese, who died Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, at MCDONALD-AEBERLI FUNERAL HOME, 238 Crowe Ave., Mars.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Old Union Presbyterian Church, 200 Union Church Road, Mars, PA 16046, with the Rev. Dr. Peter deVries officiating.

Burial will be in Pinewood Memorial Park, Cranberry Township.

Memorials in her memory may be made to Old Union Presbyterian Church.

Directions and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.