Born: Wednesday Nov-24-1926
Died: Thursday Jan-04-2018
Funeral: Private Service

Morrison Payne Funeral Home
& Crematory
321 E Main St
Burley, ID 83318
Contact and Directions

Velda Fredrick Duffin Lott

11/24/26—1/4/18

We have lost the irreplaceable center of our family and the joyous light of our lives. It is impossible to describe the depths of this most amazing woman–she was very creative, intelligent, honest and generous to a fault. She avoided attention, preferring to remain behind the scenes. Her optimism and perseverance will live in our hearts forever!

Velda Lee Fredrick was born in Rupert on November 24, 1926, to Alta Edna and Reinhold Fredrick. She attended Pioneer School and graduated from Rupert High School in 1944. She left for Los Angeles to attend Woodbury College, graduating in 1946 with a degree in Interior Design. She returned to Rupert and married Alan “Buzz” Duffin February 7, 1947, and they enjoyed an amazing marriage, always working on unique and fun projects, including a small printing press that they used to print business forms and even a booklet on the Norland Oasis. She was a master seamstress, creating her own unique designs, and sewing clothes for the entire family and friends, including suits, coats, and even a tuxedo! Mom could cook anything from donuts to highly decorated pig roasts for community events. We camped constantly to the “Elba House” and the cabin at Mt. Harrison. She was always the first to embrace the newest technology–from calculators to computers–and we struggled to keep up with her. She worked alongside Dad in the family irrigation business, winding motors, designing turbines, and keeping the books, even after his death in 1975. And, she did all of this while raising seven children!

Velda married long-time family friend, Bill Lott, April 2, 1978. She got into computers, being a pioneer to use personal computers in both their business and home accounting. She attained her real estate license and worked alongside Bill in their business. They enjoyed traveling Idaho and the northwest until his death November 27, 1998. She continued to manage their commercial properties into her 80s.

In the last years Velda was blind and bedridden, but she never complained, listening to books on tape (thanks to the Commission for the Blind) and NPR. She always imparted a bit of her joy and peace to everyone who visited. Velda passed away at her home January 4 with dignity, on her own terms and without complaint.

She was preceded in death by her infant daughter Velanne, husband Buzz Duffin, second husband Bill Lott, brother Harold, and granddaughter Kara. She is survived by her children Alan, Dorian (Susie), Cheryl (Lamont), Dan (Sheila), Deidra (Kurt), Don (Hayley), and Roger (Toni), plus 29 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren.

We would like to thank Irene, Dee, and Diane for their extraordinary and kind friendship to Mom. A Celebration of Life will be held in Velda’s honor at a later date. Cremation services are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home, 188 South Hwy 24 in Rupert.

Condolences for Velda Lott

From: Leanna Bruns
Stan and I send our love and sympathy at the death of your mother. The last time I saw her was when we delivered meals on wheels. I told the care giver who i was and she allowed me to visit with your mother in the bedroom.
I also have such a fun memory of when she and bill were Mr. and Mrs. Santa at the Eilers family tree at Ila's house.
Some good memories. Leanna Eilers Bruns

From: Charmaine Harris
I was a recipient of Velda's generosity. She hardly knew me working at the wayside cafe where she and her husband often came in for coffee. We always enjoyed each Other's company. When she heard that I was getting married she insisted on making my wedding dress. No one had ever done anything like that for me and of course, at no expense to me. I have never forgot Velda her generosity and kindness to me. I will never forget her and i Will always treasure the beautiful wedding dress.she made for me Thank you Velda.