Virginia "Gini" Lee Nicholson

Virginia Lee Nicholson, born January 16, 1940, passed due to Duodenal cancer under the care of Heartlinks Hospice of Sunnyside, Washington at Orchard Park Retirement Living in Yakima, Washington surrounded by her loving family.

Virginia was born in Maywood, California to Earl and Lavelle Birmingham. The young family

moved to Eureka, California where her brother, Ralph Edwin, was born. In 1948 her dad moved

the family to Walla Walla, Washington where he worked in the oil burner service business.

Virginia began playing the trumpet in second grade continuing all through junior high and high

school. During the years in Walla Walla her family owned and operated Star Roller Rink in a

converted hanger on the base. At First Christian Church, she confessed Jesus Christ as her

savior and was baptized. At age fourteen the family relocated to Yakima, Washington.

Virginia attended Franklin Junior High and Yakima Senior High graduating in 1957. Virginia was

an active member of Broadway Christian Church participating in young people's group, teaching

Sunday School, singing in the choir, and Women's Missionary Circle. Immediately after

graduating from high school, she began working for Dr. Coleman as office manager.

Virginia married Bill Nicholson in 1958. Their first child, Robert, was born in 1959 in Yakima. In

1962 Bill enlisted in the Air Force stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi where their first daughter, Lisa,

was born. After Bill's graduation they were transferred to Birch Bay, Washington. In 1964 they

welcomed their second daughter, Laura, born in Bellingham.

In 1966 the family moved to Ferndale, Washington establishing their home until 1985. Virginia was a stay-at-home engineer nurturing her family during their early years. She became an active member of First Baptist Church taking on many duties and activities. She taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, singing in the choir, Deaconess, working in the church office,women's missionary circle, and leading the Junior Astronaut youth program. When the children were in elementary school, she entered the work force beginning part time as receptionist for Moles Funeral Home in Ferndale. In 1976 Virginia began working at Vista Middle School as secretary in the Core program. During this time, she helped chaperone the ski bus to Mt. Baker for the eighth graders and the Shakespeare theater trips to Ashland, Oregon.

At age 40 Virginia launched her running career. She became a member of the Greater

Bellingham Running Club participating in many road races of varying distances around the state

earning a variety of medals, trophies, and ribbons. She ran in several marathon races including

Seattle Marathon, Skagit Valley, Big Sur, New York City Marathon, and after moving back to

Yakima the Yakima River Canyon Marathon.

In 1985 Virginia and Bill relocated to Winnemucca, Nevada where she worked for Lowry High

School as secretary to the Athletic Director and Detention supervisor. She became a member

of the Silver State Running Club participating in many races around the area. In 1992 they

relocated to Reno, Nevada. Virginia began working at the Rose Bullis Curriculum and Instruction

Center for the Washoe County School District as secretary to the Science, Math, and Outdoor

Education coordinators. While working at the Center she attended and graduated with an-

Associate of General Studies and Graphic Design degree from Truckee Meadows Community

College. Virginia was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa society while attending college. She

became very active holding several positions within the local group. She travelled to several

seminars including a trip to Washington DC.

Virginia retired in 2000 moving back to Yakima, Washington. Virginia and Bill became active

members of Wiley Union Church. They also continued their running activities as members of

the Hard Core Running Club. Virginia joined the Central Washington Sun Striders and the

Cascadian's enjoying walking, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, camping, and travelling around the

State. Virginia loved the many trips taken through the Walking Club in the United States and

overseas. In 2014 they moved to Orchard Park Independent Retirement Center. Bill passed

away in February 2021.

Virginia is survived by her son, Robert of Ashland, Oregon, daughter Lisa of Yakima, and

daughter Laura Howell (Fred) of Blaine, Washington, granddaughters, Sarah, Emily and Megan,

grandson Grant, great-grandsons, Ashton, Ethan, Mason, and Hudson, great-granddaughter

Skylar and brother Ralph (Maggie) Birmingham of Tumwater, Washington. Also many nieces

and nephews.

Memorial gifts may be-made in Mrs. Nicholson's name to the Cancer Society of Washington or

charity ofthe donor's choice in care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home, 902 West Yakima Ave.,

Yakima, WA 98902. A memorial service will be held at Keith & Keith Chapel on October 7, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at West Hills Memorial Park. Fond memories and condolences can be shared at www.keithandkeith.com.