Dates

• Existence: 1926 - 2010

Biographical Note

Velda King was born in 1926 to Robert Henry King and Bonnie Havens King in Boise City, Oklahoma. Her father passed in 1936 and sometime later, she and her family relocated to Denver, Colorado. King attended West High School and Denver University, where she met Eugene "Gene" Mappelli. They wed on January 2, 1948 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Velda had two children; Eugene "Geno" M. Mapelli II born in 1949, and Stephanie D. Mapelli born in 1953. The family was active in all kinds of activities and in 1967 Velda earned her private pilot's license.

She went on to earn her commercial, instrument, and multi-engine ratings. Velda discovered professional women's air racing in the early 1970s. Velda also joined the Ninety-Nines around this time. She often teamed with her daughter Stephanie during these events. Velda was co-founder of the Air Race Classic and served as its President as well. She retired from flying in the early 2000s.

After Velda's husband passed in 2003, she relocated to Seattle, Washington to be closer to her daughter and granddaughter. She remained active with volunteering and community service. On April 18th, 2010, she was struck by a bicyclist while walking and fatally injured. She passed away on April 19, 2010.
Source:

Biography derived from donor information.

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