Virginia was born Virginia Lee Henderson on April 14, 1924 to Raymond Henderson and Rena (Green) Henderson in Neodosha, Kansas. Virginia and her older brother, Raymond Max Henderson had many good friends in their hometown and until only recent years, attended the annual high school reunion. Max and his daughters Toni Miller (John) and Pam Turpen (Mike) and their children, Stacy, Kelly, Mindy and Robin will miss Virginia very much, as will many others.
After working in the payroll department of a munitions factory during the war, Virginia left rural life in 1944 and headed to the big city of Kansas City, Missouri. It was love at first sight, and it didn’t take long before she made friends – good, life-long friends. She knew KC would be where she would put down roots and experience all that life had to offer.
Virginia was a member of the First Baptist Church for 19 years in her hometown. On her arrival in Kansas City, she joined the then recently built Community Christian Church, which was designed by the world-famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright as a ‘Church of the Future’. She was a member of the congregation for the remainder of her life.
Virginia went to work in the IBM Service Bureau and, after a brief journey to California where she worked for Douglas Aircraft, returned to Kansas City to work as Secretary to the Sales Manager at Colgate Palmolive.
In 1953 James Christopher, was born to Virginia and James Schutte. In 1959, they lost their infant son Mark Edward, shortly after his birth. Christopher was the greatest love of Virginia’s life, and she was always so proud of him. Over the decades, he proved to be her greatest supporter, booster, companion – and she, his.
Ginny was a meticulous and creative homemaker. But she was also a career woman. When Christopher was a baby, she worked from home, transcribing for a court reporter. After he started grade school, she chose the real estate profession – one that would enable her to continue to work from home. By then, she knew her city well, though she rarely lived far from her beloved Plaza. Her residential real estate career spanned 50 years, starting with Merl Brewer, followed by Paul Hamilton and Reece-Nichols. Many close friendships were developed during those years.
In 1986, Christopher married Sherrie Boone and the following year, Andrea was born. Andrea immediately held a very special place in Virginia's heart. Christopher was an excellent father to Andrea and along with Virginia, they referred to themselves as “the three musketeers”. Many of Virginia's favorite memories were made with these two. Sherrie always remained dear to Virginia.
Through her marriage to Lt. Col. Allen Stewart in 1968, Virginia’s family instantly expanded as she inherited the “Canadian Kids”: Kemp, David, Randa and Cynthia. Virginia treated the Stewart children as her own and they loved and respected her from the time they met her. The family was saddened when David passed away unexpectedly in 2003. Her step-family continued to grow over the years with grandchildren (Catherine, Kimberley, Ashley, Keltie, Allen, Sarah and Brendon) and great-grandchildren (Katelin, Emma, Makenzie, Amos, Elias, Isaac, Evan and Greta).
In the years following Al’s death in 1996, a strong and loving relationship developed between Virginia and long-time friend Dr. William McGrannahan – Bill. They married in 2005 and Virginia was blessed with another step-child, Mary Brown and her children Maggie and Sophia. Sadly, a short time later, Bill passed away – another terrible loss for Virginia.
In the spring of 2014 Christopher and Virginia joined more than 20 members of the extended Canadian family who assembled in Banff, Alberta to honor Virginia on her 90th birthday. The fact that Christopher managed the arrangements from Kansas City made it extra special for Virginia. It was a joyful event in a beautiful setting – one Virginia had enjoyed many times with Al. While Ginny never liked being cold, she mastered the art of 'layering' and very much enjoyed the beauty of the Canadian Rockies and the snow – particularly the time she got to share it with both Christopher and Andrea.
Virginia loved to travel and, over the years, with friends and family, she visited most of the US including Hawaii and Alaska, much of Canada, Mexico, France, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, the British Isles, the Caribbean, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore. She kept detailed journals, and photos, and other mementos of each trip.
Virginia lived a full and happy life – interesting, challenging, adventurous and rewarding. She was a devoted wife and mother, and a strong and independent career woman. But there was also so much sadness including the deaths of her infant son, Mark; her step-son, David; husbands James Bailey, James Schutte, Allen Stewart, Bill McGrannahan; and in 2015, her son Christopher.
With apologies to anyone left out, Virginia spoke lovingly of the many relationships that nourished her (and which she nurtured) throughout her life. Most recently she spoke of her enduring relationships with brother Max, dear friends Jim and Alyce Mason, Virgil and Eunice Coon, Jack and Mary Ellen Kempton, Earl and Mary Aull, Len Rosen, her earliest KC friend Harlene Hamilton, neighbor Greg Hoover, and her Canadian kids. Her daughters-in-law remained close over the years, including Sherrie Marquez, Lynda Stewart, Penny Routledge, and Amber Hayward-Stewart. Marsha Lafler, who provided invaluable care during Christopher’s illness, returned to Kansas City four years later to offer the same skillful care to Virginia. And, Steven Brown, her step-son-in-law, who played a critical, supportive role in Virginia’s life, particularly during her final years.
Between her Christian faith, and the support and companionship of so many good friends and family members, Virginia enjoyed a wonderful life. And during difficult times, they encouraged her to persevere and face each day with renewed effort. Virginia’s was a life well lived, and she will be missed by so many.
Gathering 10:00am to 11:00am, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00am, Saturday, February 8 at Community Christian Church, 4601 Main Street, Kansas City, MO.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Christian Church or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
Memorial plaques will be placed together at Mt. Moriah Cemetery, Garden Walk of Memory Northeast Fountain, brick niches 6 & 7 for Virginia and her late husband, Dr. Bill McGrannahan.
“The worth of a friend no words can express. Tis God’s gift to bless our time on earth.”
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