Velma Leola (Rendel) Hirst was born July 12, 1913 in Ridgeway, Lenawee County, Michigan. She was the second of the seven children of Lottie (Oliver) and Benjamin Rendel, Sr.

She married Thomas Thayer Hirst and they had five children:

1. Robert Hirst

2. Rodger Hirst

3. Richard Hirst

4. Daughter Hirst

The family lived in Maybee, Monroe County, Michigan before later moving to Colton in San Bernardino, California.

Tom died on February 8, 2003 in Yucaipa, Californian. Velma followed nine months later on November 28, 2003 at 90 years of age.