Vijaya Lakshmi Vellanki passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026. She spent her last 6 months with family in Helena, Montana.
Vijaya was born on August 16, 1940 in India. She and her husband Dr R. Rao Vellanki immigrated with their children in 1968. They lived in North Canton, Ohio where they raised their family and were active members of the Indian community. Vijaya loved entertaining family and friends. She cherished spending time with her grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and sons Kishore and Mohan Vellanki.
Vijaya will be missed by many members of her family, including children Roy Vellanki (Padma), Latha Sri Vellanki (Andrew Pida); grandchildren Kevin Vellanki, Nina Pida (Luke McCulloch), Nicholas Pida (Jaycee Hamlin), John Pida; and great-granddaughter Mira June McCulloch.
We would like to thank the St. Peter’s Health Nephrology and Dialysis Clinic for their compassionate and professional care.
A memorial service celebrating Vijaya’s life will be held on January 24, 2026 at 9am at Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to honor Vijaya’s legacy with a donation to Special Olympics of Montana or your favorite charity.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
9:00 a.m.
Saturday January 24, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
9:00 a.m.
Saturday January 24, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Noreen Raynor says
I worked with Vijaya at the old Shodair Children’s Hospital. She was a hard worker and very caring. RIP, Vijaya . 🙏♥️
Mary Runkel says
I worked with Vijaya at Shodair in the old brick building- she was caring and compassionate and always willing to give a hand. My sincere sympathy to her family.
Saundra Lowry says
I met Vijaya at the senior center when I worked at Rocky Mountain. She became a good friend and I admired her deeply. You will be missed Vijaya. May your final journey be sweet!
Mary Hall says
My sympathy to Sri and all the rest of family in the loss of Vijaya. Always remember all the good times you had with her. May she rest in peace.
Karrie Fairbrother says
Vijaya was the best chef and teacher of Indian cuisine! She was always patient and loving as she taught me how to prepare samosas, and their different fillings. Fond memories of being with her awaiting her grand children’s arrivals. She was a lovely lady.
Bharat & Maya says
Auntie (Vijaya) and Uncle (Dr. Rao) touched our lives with extraordinary love and generosity. Auntie always remembered everyone’s favorite foods and took such great care to make everyone feel special. We’ll deeply miss them, but their legacy of unconditional love lives on, keeping our family bonds strong for generations to come.
Prasad Mummaneni. says
May her good soul rest in Eternal peace.
Heartly condolences from our family
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Mummaneni Prasad
Indira and Prasad says
We were blessed to know and spend the last 25 years with auntie and uncle. They have been like our parents. We shall cherish all those precious memories forever. Auntie’s love, thoughtfulness and kindness to us and Priya was beyond words. We shall miss her terribly. Our parents join us in our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to her family and friends. May her soul rest in peace.
Satyanarayana&Indira Vellanki says
Indira and Satyanarayana Vellanki feel very sorry for losing one of very kind and loving family member
Vijayalakshmi Garu is one of a kind in showing her love and kindness to our family for last 40+ years
We will miss her but will cherish her memories forever in our hearts
Our deepest condolences to all the family members
Ankitha and Alekya says
We will cherish the wonderful memories we had growing up whenever we visited Ohio and spent time with Grandma. She was the kindest, most caring soul who made all who entered her home and heart feel special. She truly treated everyone as her own and she will be dearly missed.
We love you Grandma!!
Ted Polette says
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Vijaya, but if she was like her wonderful daughter, Latha, which I’m sure she was because the “apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”, then she was a blessing to this world and she will be dearly missed. “Where there is sadness, love plants a garden of memories.” May her garden bloom gloriously forever. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.