Mary Jo "Jody" Velten, 81, died March 20, 2024, at her home in Arlington. She was born April 1, 1942, in Somerset, Kentucky, to John and Lois (Russell) Hood.

Jody graduated from Somerset High School in 1960, and went on to graduate from Berea College with a Chemistry degree and minor in Microbiology in 1964. She did graduate work at McNeese State University and UC Irvine, studying chemistry. Jody worked in the chemistry field for several years before staying home to care for her family.

On June 1, 1964, she married Terry Velten, in Berea, Kentucky. They shared nearly 60 years together.

Jody is survived by: husband, Terry Velten, Arlington; son, Joe Velten, Lancaster, South Carolina; daughter, Mimi Leis (Kurt), Wichita; sister, Jean Hanson (Dan), Chattanooga, Tennessee; brothers, Jim Hood (Linda), Savannah, Georgia, Bill Hood (Kim), Dallas, Georgia; grandchildren, Abigail Leis, Sophia Leis, Tanner Velten (Jennifer), Ryan Velten, Karley Velten (Joseph); step grandchild, Adrian Hewett; and great-grandson, Roman Taylor.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; brother, Robert Hood; and daughter-in-law, Joanna Hewett.

Memorial mass will be 1:00 pm Saturday, April 6, 2024, at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 645 N 119th St W, Wichita, KS 67235. Friends may sign the book Friday from 9 am to 8 pm at Elliott Mortuary, with family present from 6 to 8 pm. Rosary will begin at 7:30 pm.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.