Velma B. Ochs

Velma Bernice Ochs, née DeForrest, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 5, 2026, in Sioux City, Iowa. She was born on February 2, 1922, in Aberdeen, South Dakota to James E. and Ova A. (Jackson) De Forrest.

Velma graduated from Aberdeen High School in Aberdeen, South Dakota. During World War II, she worked as a welder in the shipyards in Washington state. After returning to South Dakota, she went on to work for the Sioux Falls Argus Leader newspaper. On February 21, 1953, she married Joseph Ochs in Webster, South Dakota. He preceded her in death in 1995. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, and her family remained at the heart of her life.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Rose DeForrest. She also leaves behind her grandson, Troy DeForrest and his wife, Debbie, of Sioux City, Iowa, along with their family: great-granddaughter Sara DeForrest; great-grandson Jarred DeForrest and his wife, Holly; great-great-grandson Quinten DeForrest; great-great-granddaughters Holland DeForrest, Landry DeForrest, and Claira Lund. Her memory lives on in the generations of family who brought her such joy.

Velma was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Ochs; her parents, James and Ova DeForrest; her son, Ronald DeForrest; her grandson, Todd DeForrest; great-great-granddaughter Gemma Lund; and her siblings, Merle DeForrest, Jim DeForrest, Delmer DeForrest, Glenn DeForrest, Bev DeForrest, Arlene DeForrest, and Evelyn DeForrest.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 12, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Christy-Smith Funeral Homes - Morningside Chapel, 1801 Morningside Ave, Sioux City, Iowa. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the chapel. Burial will take place afterward at Memorial Park Cemetery, 6605 Morningside Avenue, Sioux City, Iowa.

Velma will be remembered with love for her long life, and the deep affection she held for her family and friends.