Virginia was born in the hills of the Ozarks in Chadwick, Missouri on September 5, 1927 to Ruth Isabel Elliott Shipman and Ruben Shipman. She went home to be with Jesus on June 8, 2021, where she can once again walk and see and be fully free. She was 93.
Virginia was wife to William Stevens (deceased); Mother to four daughters: Sharon (Jerry Adamson), Glenda Willes (deceased), Linda (Stuart Hoilund), and Becky (Lawrence Raso); Grandma and Granny to Tawnie, Wade, Jami, Camie, Amy, Jason, Brandon and Nathan; Great-Grandma to 15 great- grandchildren; and Great-Great Grandma to two very blessed little ones.
Affectionately known also as “Gin” or “Aunt Gin” to many, she was sharp and witty, and quick with a quip…you may have heard a few of them: “You’re as handy as a pocket on a shirt” after you’d lent her a helping hand. Or after asking her how she’s doing, you may have heard, “I’m just sitting by the side of the road being a friend to man”. Or, if she needed you to hurry up, you may have heard her say “tear the rag off the bush.” And you most certainly heard her tell you a time or two that “I pray for you every night by name”. And you could bank on that!
Virginia was a force for good in this world, and a faithful servant to her Lord above. She unashamedly shared her faith and had a desire for everyone to know Jesus as their Savior. This compelled her in her life’s work.
She worked as a compassionate caregiver for many years, and her heart for those who were vulnerable and alone was shared with her family. She took her grandchildren to nursing homes to entertain the residents; she visited friends and even strangers in facilities who had no one else, so they knew they were not forgotten. And when she could no longer go herself, she sent her daughters or grandchildren in her place – and we went - because she told us to. And because it was the right thing to do. She taught us that. She instilled that value in the family she raised and the family she influenced.
Virginia also had a group of life-long friends whom she loved, cared for, talked about, and talked with, some daily, but all frequently. She shared in their triumphs and their trials, and they brought her great joy. You know who you are!
We hope you got to hear Virginia sing, because boy, could she sing! And she sang hymns of praise right to the very end, including her favorite, Amazing Grace.
In her infamous words of wisdom and hope we can still hear her say…“Proceed with Caution” and “I’ll see you around, Buster”. Yes, she will!
Virginia’s daughters would like to thank the staff of Legacy House of Bountiful and the Aspire's Hospice Team for so lovingly and generously caring for her.
A memorial service honoring Virginia’s fighting spirit and life will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT 84106 on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. (MST). For those in Salt Lake City, please join us at 10:00 a.m. for a time of visitation and remembrance. Lunch will follow the graveside service. To join us for Virginia’s memorial service via live stream at 11:00 a.m. (MST), please visit facebook.com/wasatchlawnmemorial, and search for Virginia Alice Stevens.
Flowers may be sent to Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park or donations made to Rescue Mission of Salt Lake.
