Published: July 04, 2009 10:12 pm      

Virginia Keiter

Sept. 20, 1914 - June 29, 2009

Virginia Keiter, 94, Kokomo, passed away Monday, June 29, 2009 at her daughter’s home in Vienna, Va. She was born Sept. 20, 1914, in Tower Hill, Ill., to Phillip John and Mabel (Fry) Parks. She married Russell A. Keiter on Sept. 3, 1946, in College Avenue Methodist Church in Muncie. He preceded her in death in 2006.

Virginia was a 1932 graduate of Central High School in Muncie and received her bachelor’s degree in education from Ball State Teachers College in 1938. She was a home economics and science teacher. She taught in Upland and Matthews from 1938 to 1946, and at Prairie Township and Sharpsville high schools in Tipton County from 1961 to 1976.

She was a long time active member of Parr United Methodist Church in Kokomo, singing in the choir, playing in the bell choir and sharing her talents. She was an accomplished seamstress and needle worker. She delighted, until the end of her life in crocheting gifts for her family, friends and charities. She and her husband were avid travelers and especially enjoyed their trip to Rwanda, Africa. Her family was always at the center of her life, and she took joy in caring for and teaching each new generation.

She is survived by one daughter, Julia Keiter-Gaspar, Vienna, Va.; one son, Dale W. Keiter, Kokomo; daughter-in-law Denise Keiter, Kokomo; three grandsons, Jerimiah Keiter, Joshua Keiter, and Nathanaël Gaspar; four great-grandchildren; and one sister, Jean Yeager. Her parents and her husband preceded her in death.

Funeral services are 11 a.m. Tuesday at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, with Pastor Russell Veldman officiating and Chaplain Joyce Brooks offering the eulogy. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Online condolences to the family can be made at www.mem.com.

Memorial contributions can be made to Parr Memorial United Methodist Church or Kibogora Hospital, Rwanda, Africa. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.