Vera Helen Salstrom, loving wife and mother, died peacefully at home Friday, Feb. 9, 2018, surrounded by her family. She was born Dec. 24, 1928 to Enos and Mary Edwards in Dillon, SC. The last of three children, her mother struggled to support the family because of the early death of her father. Her aunt took her to Epworth Children's Home in Columbia, SC, where she was educated through her graduation from high school.

She attended Winthrop University, in Rock Hill, SC, for one year, then found employment with the telephone company in Columbia. She attended one of the large denominational churches, taught Sunday School and sang in the choir, but did not know the Lord as her Savior. Vera attended a Billy Graham crusade in 1950 and found the Savior for whom she had been searching. She then enrolled in Columbia Bible College and graduated with a degree in Christian Education. She had a special talent for working with children and was excellent in telling Bible stories. She possessed a gift for hospitality, home décor, cooking and was a skilled seamstress.

While at Columbia she met David, and after graduation they were married in Sarasota, FL. They were accepted by SEND International as missionaries to serve in the Philippines, spending 37 years there in language study, church planting and teaching. They have been retired now for seventeen years, living in Wheaton, and have been attending and serving in Wheaton Bible Church.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Enos, and sister, Mae (Turner). She is survived by her husband of 59 years, David, daughter, Rhesa, and son, David.

Visitation will be held Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 10:00am at Wheaton Bible Church, 27W500 North Ave., West Chicago, with a memorial service following at 11:00am.

***

Following the service, interment will be held at Chapel Hill Gardens, Oakbrook, Illinois.


In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to SEND International, P.O. Box 513, Farmington, MI, 48322.