Velma Margaret Belk

Velma Margaret Belk unexpectedly went to be with our Lord and Savior on March 28, 2026, at the young age of 82. While her years may say 82, anyone who knew her would tell you she never seemed it. She was young at heart, full of life, and brought energy and joy wherever she went.

Velma was a loving mom, grandma, great-grandma, friend, mentor, and inspiration to all who knew her. While we are left with a huge hole in our hearts, we find comfort in knowing she is now in heaven, reunited with her husband, her sons, and so many loved ones who went before her.

She was born on September 27, 1943, in Denver, Colorado, to Herold and Dorothy Ellis, the third of four children. When she was in the third grade, her family moved to a ranch in the Bear Creek community in southeast Wyoming. She often shared stories of growing up on the ranch and attending a one-room schoolhouse through the 8th grade. Later, when she moved back to Denver and walked into a junior high with hundreds of students, she would laugh about how she had never seen that many people in one place in her life.

Velma met her first husband, Daryle Billinger, in high school, and together they had three children: Shelly, Mike, and David. Family was everything to her. She showed up—every game, every event, every milestone. She planned vacations, created memories, and made sure her children always knew they came first.

Velma was an avid Denver Broncos fan and a longtime season ticket holder. No matter where she lived, Sundays were for football, and she always found a way to watch her beloved Broncos.

In the late 1960s, Velma discovered a passion that truly set her apart – stock car racing. Her family became involved in racing at Lakeside Speedway, where Velma competed in the Power Puff Derby. What began as a family activity quickly became something much bigger. She was named Rookie of the Year in 1967 and continued racing at Lakeside for many years.

When the family car was no longer available, Velma didn’t slow down. She secured a sponsorship from Oldsmobile and continued racing at Englewood Speedway, Colorado National Speedway, and tracks in Pueblo, Colorado, and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Her trophy collection grew, and Shelly, Mike, and David proudly took her trophies to school for show and tell.

At a time when women racing with the men was rare, Velma held her own. In 1977, she finished 11th in point standings, just one point shy of the top ten, competing against a field of about thirty men. In addition, she earned numerous awards throughout her racing career, particularly at Lakeside and Colorado National. Most recently, she was nominated for the Colorado Speedway Hall of Fame, recognized as a pioneering force in women’s racing.

Velma was also incredibly hardworking. As a young single mother, she was determined to provide for her children and often worked multiple jobs at once. Over the years, she worked for Montgomery Ward, Navajo Freight Lines, and IBEW Local 111. Later, she joined Continental Airlines, where she loved using her flight benefits to visit her grandchildren and travel. One of her favorite memories was taking a whirlwind trip to Paris, France with her sister Betty just for the day. Not Paris, Texas…Paris, France. It was exactly the kind of adventure she loved.

In 2000 Velma moved to Lake Havasu City, Arizona and discovered her true calling as a realtor. She loved her clients and had a gift for helping people find not just a house, but a home. She built a successful career that spanned more than 20 years.

Velma never met a stranger. Once a friend, you were a friend for life. She built lasting friendships everywhere she went, including a group affectionately known as the “Navajo ladies,” who have been getting together for over 50 years. She was the life of the party, always organizing gatherings and making sure everyone felt included.

In Lake Havasu City, she met and married Jim Belk in 2009. She often joked that opposites attract, and that was certainly true for them. They shared nearly fourteen happy years together until his passing in 2022.

In 2023, Velma moved to Midland, Texas, to be closer to her daughter Shelly and her grandchildren. Being near family meant everything to her. She continued doing what she loved most – showing up for the people she loved, whether it was a game, a celebration, or just time spent together. She and Shelly became travel partners, making memories, sharing lots of laughs, and going on many fun adventures together.

Velma is survived by her daughter, Shelly Worrell (Pat) of Midland, Texas, and Shelly’s children: Kenny (Hilary) Worrell of Dallas, Garrett (Kelly) Worrell of Midland, and Meagan Worrell of Dallas, along with five great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her sister Betty Bullis (James Michael Cleary) of Hemet, CA, sister-in-law Myrna Ellis (Bob Gregory) of Torrington, WY, and she was the “favorite aunt” to her many nieces and nephews across the United States.

In addition, Velma is survived by the wonderful bonus family she gained and cherished through her marriage to Jim: sons Keith (Jo Ann), Jay (Tracy), and Jeffrey (Christine); grandchildren Aeriel Belk (fiancé Marko Rudar), Kelsey (Jason) Cobb, James Ross (Clare) Belk, Jeremy (Kelly) Belk, Brandon (Brittany) Belk, Justine (Lee) Easley, Cassidy (Davis) Howell, Jaiden (Brandon) Kennedy, Kaleab Belk, and Beza Gebeyehu; along with twelve great-grandchildren on Jim’s side.

Velma was preceded in death by her sons, Michael Dean Billinger and David Allen Billinger; her husband, James Richard Belk; her brother, James Ellis; her sister, Nancy Ellis; and her parents, Herold and Dorothy Ellis.

A well-loved soul such as Velma deserves to be celebrated more than once. Services are listed below, but if you cannot attend, feel free to make a toast to Velma—preferably with her favorite drink, a caffeine-free Diet Coke with extra ice (and maybe a little rum, if you’re so inclined).

A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Green Tree Country Club, 4900 Green Tree Blvd, Midland, TX  79707.

A funeral service and reception will take place on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM at
Olinger Crown Hill, 7777 West 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Midland County Child Welfare Board, supporting foster children in West Texas.  www.midlandchildwelfare.com

If you choose to send flowers to the celebration in Midland, please have them delivered to the Green Tree Country Club.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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