Velda Jean Ratcliff Ladd went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 9, 2025.  She was 89 years of age.  She was born in Wells, Texas to Vivian and Claude M. Ratcliff.  Velda was preceded in death by her loving husband and soulmate Loy G Ladd, her brother Billy Ratcliff, her parents Vivian Ratcliff and Claude M. Ratcliff, her daughter Debra Jean Stefka, and great granddaughter Sadie Hampton Ladd.  She is survived by the pride and joy of her life, her children: Gary Loy Ladd and wife Brenda and Sheri Ladd Vaughn and husband Tim.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Bryce Stefka, Beau Stefka, Jeni Jean Vaughn Hendrix, Dustin Loy Ladd, Derek Ladd, Nathan Drew Ladd and great grandchildren, Blaine Hendrix, Grady Hendrix, Grant Loy Ladd, Henry Ladd, and Beau Ross Stefka, II.

Velda was a graduate of Pharr San Juan Alamo high school in the Valley.  She was an active choir member, twirler and drum major, and also the FFA sweetheart. She continued her secondary studies at Pan Am University where in her freshman year she was named the Pan Am queen.  Velda was an accomplished writer and she was personally humbled but proud that she received a national literary award in college, an accolade of which few people were aware.

Velda met and married the love of her life, Loy Gene Ladd and they were married on June 3, 1952.  They were blissfully married for 62 years before his passing.  They had three children, Deborah Jean, Gary Loy, and Sheri Lee.  Velda and Loy spent most of their married life in Deer Park, Texas.  While her passion and top priority was Loy and her children, she was an accomplished home decorator with Home Interiors and consistently won awards for being the top salesperson. After her children married, she obtained her realtor's license and became a very successful real estate agent in Deer Park.  Even in times of a declining housing market, Velda was always named the top seller in her organization. It seemed she always rose to the top of any organization blessed to have her services.  Although she was truly successful at anything she decided to do, her pride and joy came from her children and grandchildren who would describe her as an elegant lady, the ultimate Christian role model, a fabulous cook, and the very best Mom and Nanny ever!

Velda and her husband Loy were long time members of South Avenue Baptist Church in Pasadena Texas where Loy was the music minister.  For many years she faithfully taught Sunday School and was also a member of the church choir. In addition Velda was the director of the GAs (Girls in Action) and Woman's ministry.  In their later years she and Loy moved their membership to First Baptist Church of Deer Park where they were very active in the Silver Set Ministry and Velda was also a beloved Sunday School teacher.  In December of 2021, Velda moved to the Woodlands where she lived at the Watermere Senior apartments.  She and her friends were very active and played various card and domino games almost every day.  They would also carpool to church events when they were able.  Velda joined Gracepoint Fellowship Baptist Church after her move to The Woodlands where she was thrilled to be able to hear her son Gary preach every Sunday.  When her health would allow, she would fill in as a Sunday School teacher when needed.

The Ladd family would like to thank the loving employees, nurses, and care givers  of Methodist Hospital Woodlands, Senior's Choice Assisted Living and Oasis Hospice for their tender love and care during her time with them.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 6 to 8 pm  at Klein Funeral Home - Magnolia located at 14711 FM 1488, Magnolia, Texas 77354.  A Celebration of Life for Velda will be held at 2 pm Sunday, January 19, 2025 at GracePoint Fellowship Baptist Church located at 426 Corporate Woods Drive, Magnolia Texas, 77354.  In lieu of flowers, Velda requested to have donations made to the Children's Playground fund at Gracepoint Fellowship Baptist Church