Velma Bennett Hanks, 83, of Steelville, MO passed away Monday, January 26, 2009 at the Phelps County Regional Hospital in Rolla, MO. She was born on August 26, 1925 to Arthur and Ada (Meek) McDaniel in Dexter, MO. On February 26, 1946, she was united in marriage to Kenneth Edward Hanks who preceded her in death on May 23, 2005. Velma will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her five children, Marion "Marty" Arthur Hanks and wife Martha, Timothy, "Tim" Lynn Hanks and wife, Vicky; Beverly Louise Conaway and husband Richard and Linda Darlene Barton all of Steelville and Jerry Edward Hanks and wife Jean of House Springs, MO; one sister, Wanda Lemmons of Dexter, MO; seventeen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; other relatives and many friends. Velma was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, her parents, one son Kenneth Bruce Hanks; two brothers, Lindell McDaniel and Harvey McDaniel and one sister, Gertrude Elledge. Velma was a member of the Rivers of Life Church for the last ten years. Previously, she attended the Assembly of God in Steelville. Throughout the years, she enjoyed reading, bird watching and working cross-word puzzles. One important activity that Velma continued to do was read her Bible daily. Visitation was from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO. Funeral services were held at 11:00 on Thursday, January 29, 2009 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO with Rev. Henry Copling officiating and Rev. Jerry Beers reading the obituary and a poem. Special music of "On My Father's Side" was sung by Claudette Barton and "Where We Will Never Die" was sung by Eldon Barton. Other music of "Going Away Party", "Serenaded by Angels" and ""Welcome Home" were also played. Mary Young, a recent acquaintance of Velma read a story of when and how Velma met her husband, Kenneth many years ago at Wildwood. Casket bearers were Rodney Conaway, Micah Hanks, Marc Hanks, Bryan Sencibaugh, Steven Hanks and Kevin Hanks. Honorary casket bearer was Brandon Hanks. Committal prayer and burial were in the Steelville Cemetery. The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.