Virginia Leah Holtz

Virginia Leah Holtz was born on August 2, 1937 in rural Westpoint Dickinson, the daughter of Kenneth and Elsie (Marr) Nattress. Virginia grew up on a farm outside of Milford, IA with her twin brother, Virgil. Each day she completed her farm chores and developed a love for horses that led to showing them and winning ribbons at the county fair. She had more than one loyal dog growing up on the farm and her love of animals was apparent early-on. There were several pets in her life including the rescue of her beloved cat, Pee Wee. Virginia received her education from Excelsior High School in Dickinson County, IA where she graduated with honors and was selected as Homecoming Queen.

Following high school Virginia dated Gilbert (Gib) Holtz after he returned from Korea while serving in the Army. One of their favorite activities they loved to do as a couple was dancing, mostly to the tunes of country music. On May 22, 1955 they united in marriage at the St. John’s Church in May City, Iowa. Their life together began living near a farmstead in May City, Iowa where they helped to farm the land while starting to raise their family. Years later they relocated to their first home in Everly, Iowa where the Standard Oil Company employed Gilbert.

Virginia and Gilbert had five children: Randy, Vicki, Dan, Kent, and Chad. They moved to a second home in Everly, Iowa when they became co-owners of the Everly Laundromat. Virginia was the main manager/operator of the only laundromat and dry-cleaning business in town. Virginia also was employed as a home health aide to disabled out-patients and with the Everly Community School as the Secretary to the Chairman of the Board of Education. Virginia and Gilbert resided in Everly, Iowa for over 25 years and moved to Arizona in 1986 when they accepted new jobs as resident managers of Ashland Manor Apartments, in Mesa, AZ. They later became resident managers at Loloma Vista Apartments in Scottsdale, AZ. After Gilbert’s passing in 2006, Virginia was employed at Costco for nine years where she conducted food demonstrations with ease and excelled in her role.

Virginia was a member of the Hope Lutheran Church in Everly, Iowa and later converted to Catholicism, becoming a member of The Lady of Perpetual Help, Roman Catholic Parish in Scottsdale, AZ. Virginia lived for her family and friends. She passed peacefully to her Lord on July 12, 2022 at the age of 84 years, with an angel named Maria holding her hand. Preceding her in death were her husband of 50 years, Gilbert, her parents, Kenneth and Elsie Nattress, and her twin sibling, Virgil Nattress.

Keeping her memory close at heart are her children, Randy (Kathy) Holtz of Urbandale, MN, Vicki (Bob) Webb of Hollywood, MD, Dan Holtz and Lanie DiRienzo of Los Angeles, CA, Kent Holtz and Maria Garino of Gilbert, AZ, and Chad Holtz of Scottsdale, AZ, nine grandchildren, and other relatives and friends. In lieu of floral tributes, contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Virginia.

Condolences may be expressed at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/mesa-az/virginia-holtz-10845849.