Virginia Patchen

Columbiana - Virginia Patchen, age 95, of Columbiana, passed away Wednesday afternoon, April 27, 2011 at Hospice House, Poland.

She was born November 2, 1915 in Youngstown, a daughter of Guy and Donna Unspach Patchen. Her mother died when she was six and her brother, Robert Patchen was two. Guy Patchen moved his family to Columbiana and in 1924 married Lydia Heston Patchen; and later Virginia and Bob were joined by half siblings, Don, Martha, and John.

Virginia graduated from Columbiana High School in 1934 and held several jobs during her lifetime. During WWII she worked for Goodyear testing life belts that were made at a local plant. She also joined the Red Cross Motor Corp where she learned to drive and do maintenance on Jeeps. Most of her work years were spent as a bookkeeper for Northeast Ohio Poultry Assn., retiring at the age of 70. Virginia lived a long and interesting life of travel and service. She said she was born with wanderlust. She visited all 50 states, driving to all but Hawaii and Alaska. She also traveled to Europe, Mexico, and Canada.

Her local activities centered around her church and service organizations. She served as Sunday School Secretary for 62 years at the First United Methodist Church of Columbiana. She was a member of the former Columbiana Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, twice serving as Worthy Matron. She was a member of Fancy Walkers, a dance group that entertained at nursing homes and was also active in Senior Citizens.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, her stepmother, and her brother Bob Patchen and his wife, June.

She is survived by her half siblings, Don (Marcie) Patchen of Poland, Martha (Glenn) Cope of Lancaster, OH, and John Patchen of Hallandale, FL. In addition, she leaves many nieces and nephews who will remember their "Aunt Ginny". The family wishes to thank Virginia's special friend, neighbor, and Guardian Angel, Penny Sanders Susany who has watched over her for many years as well as her excellent caregiver, Alice Wolford; and a special thanks to Hospice of the Valley.

Virginia's services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2011 at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana, with the Reverend Charles Ready officiating. Burial will be in Columbiana Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 12 noon until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Columbiana.