Velma Shaffer-Toole

Velma A. Shaffer-Toole, 96 of Zanesville, died 9:31 PM, Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Brookdale Senior Living in Zanesville. She was born Saturday, August 10, 1929 in Zanesville, the daughter of Andrew Shaffer and Hailly (Marsh) Shaffer. She married William L. Toole on Saturday, January 31, 1953, and was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church.

Velma was the Operations Manager for Merrill-Lynch & Company, retiring in 1992 following over 43 years of service. She enjoyed being outdoors, was an avid gardener, and loved painting landscape portraits.

Velma is survived by two sisters, Audrey (Jerry) Smith and Frieda Sikora; one brother-in-law, Raymond Toole; one sister-in-law, Patricia Toole; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and a host of friends and acquaintances.

In addition to her parents, Velma was preceded in death her husband, William L. Toole, who died October 6, 1985; ten siblings, Dorsey, Edna, Harold, Gerald, Bob, Helen, Howard, Donald, Kenneth and Ralph; her loving companion of many years, Edward Lewellen.

Friends may call from 9:30 to 11:00 AM, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Hillis Combs Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, where Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 AM, with Fr. David Young officiating. Velma will be laid to rest beside her husband in Mt. Olive Cemetery. To sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note of condolence please visit www.hilliscombsfh.com.