Vellie Paula Bloch (nee Wittels) passed away on January 25, 2025 at the age of 102. Loving mother of Eric M. Bloch, Cheryl B. Wallace, and Renee Bloch (Mohamed) Shallouf; loving grandmother of Rachel J. (Adam Christian) Bloch and Melissa I. (Jason) Bloch-Meier and proud great-grandmother of Bennett and Beau Christian. Further survived by devoted sister-in-law, Elayne Wittels, numerous nieces and nephews (including great and great-great), and many cousins and friends. Preceded in death by her dear parents, Hyman and Eva (Spector) Wittels; four siblings, Sara, Delphine, Frances and Jerry; beloved husband, Elliott G. Bloch; and cherished daughter-in-law, Judy Bloch.

Vellie was born August 4, 1922, in Drumright, Oklahoma, the fourth daughter. The majority of her childhood years were spent in Drumright, St. Louis, and Tulsa. On December 25, 1938, Vellie attended an Iota Tau high school sorority dinner dance in the Crystal Ball Room of Tulsa's Mayo Hotel. It was an evening that would change the 16-year-old's life forever. It was there, during a candlelight dinner, that a cadet from Oklahoma Military Academy, Elliott Gershon Bloch, serendipitously sat across from Vellie. He was smitten at first sight by her auburn hair glowing in the candlelight, leading to a marriage proposal before night's end and their eventual marriage in 1944. Prior to their marriage, Vellie attended Washington University in St. Louis majoring in accounting.

After Elliott retired from the military, the couple settled in Tulsa, OK. Business later took the family to Wichita, KS where they raised their children. In Wichita, she was active in her synagogue and was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader. They remained happily married until Elliott's death in 1980.

Besides being a lifelong knitter - often to benefit charitable causes - Vellie was also an avid mah jongg player. She enjoyed reading cozy mysteries, doing crossword puzzles, and was steadfast in her daily fitness routine of walking. In later years, she began riding a stationary bike at Zarrow Point, and continued until her late 90s when she switched to an at-home portable peddler. Still socially active to the end, Vellie met with a group of friends each week for lunch in local restaurants.

Her secrets to a long life were "don't sweat the small stuff," and "enjoy every moment because you never know what the next moment is going to bring."

From 2000 until her death, Vellie resided with her oldest daughter in Tulsa, and stayed in touch with her other children by daily video calls. She also attended weekly Congregation B'nai Emunah's sabbath service on Zoom!

May her memory be a blessing.

Graveside Service will be Tuesday, January 28th, 2:30 p.m., at Rose Hill Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa. To accommodate all who wish to participate, the funeral service will be broadcast via Zoom .

The family will observe shiva at the home of Cheryl Wallace 3144 East 78th place on Tuesday and Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m. On Wednesday the family will take part in the 5:30 p.m. service at The Synagogue.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.

Fitzgerald lvy Chapel, 918-585-1151