Velda Orene Baggett was born on August 17, 1939 to Marion and Lucille Baggett in Merced, California.  She joined two older brothers, Marion and Carroll.

Velda grew up in Dos Palos, California, graduating from Dos Palos High School in 1957. She had many fond memories of her high school days.

In February 1957, she met Don Schwandt, and married him  just 3 ½ months later, in June 1957. Don and Velda began their married life in Salinas, where daughter, Sheila, was born in 1959. In 1961, Don got a job with Pepsi-Cola in Fresno, and the family moved back to the Central Valley to be closer to extended family.  Daughter, Sherri, joined the family in 1963.

In 1967, Don sensed the Lord's call to become a pastor, and accepted the pastorate at the little Assembly of God church in Centerville, CA. He and Velda went on to pastor at the Ashlan Park Assembly of God Church in Fresno, and son, Donnie was born in 1972. Other churches at which they served as pastors were Farmersville Assembly of God Church, Pinedale Assembly of God, and Avenal Assembly of God.

In addition to pastoring, Velda worked as a church secretary at Cathedral of Light in Selma, CA, and then worked for many years as a clerk at See's Candy, much to the delight of her grandchildren. She also volunteered as an election official and census taker.

For the last 15 years, Don and Velda have lived in Reedley, near their daughters.  They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in June 2022. Following Don's death in March 2023, Velda continued living at Sierra View Retirement Homes, enjoying friends and spending time with family.

Velda left this world, unexpectedly and peacefully, to be with her Savior on August 6, 2024. Left to celebrate her life is brother and sister-in-law, Carroll and Sally Baggett, daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and Wayne Wiebe, daughter and son-in-law, Sherri and Russ Hajik, son and daughter-in-law, Donnie and Joellene Schwandt. Grandchildren - Jordan Wiebe and Gia Vang, Anika Wiebe, Jared and Lauren Hajik, Lauren and Karl Steitz, Preston Hajik, Katie Schwandt, and Sophia Schwandt. Great-granddaughters - Kinley, Ailey, and Josie Steitz, and Alice Hajik
along with Sheila's adopted son and family, Vince and Erika DeLa Cruz, Maximus and Eriyanni, as well as many extended family members, and dear friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 24 at 10:30 a.m. at LIFEhouse Valley Church - 1445 N. Frankwood Ave., Reedley.