Virginia F. Ely

She was born on April 21, 1925, to Louis and Jeannette Bliss in Jackson, Michigan. She is survived by two daughters and one son: Sharon Morgan (Doug Gluckin), Susan (Scott) Brooks, and David Ely. Virginia is also survived by her grandchildren: Karie Morgan (Byron Hart) of Mason, Michigan, Jason (Jenahvive) Morgan of Mason, Michigan, Ryan (Rada) Brooks of Mooresville, North Carolina, Aaron (Jennifer) Brooks of Fennville, Michigan, and Kelsey Brooks (Brynn Bradley) of Paw Paw, Michigan. She is also survived by her five great-grandchildren: Adelyn Hart, Aline Brooks, Ava Brooks, Brayden Brooks, and Connor Brooks.

Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Jeannette Bliss; her brothers, Robert Bliss, Edgar Bliss, Donald Bliss, and Duane Bliss. Her husband William (Bill) Ely also preceded her in death in February 2011.

Virginia graduated from Jackson High School where she was on the Synchronized Swim Team. After high school she worked for Peter Pan Bakery where she met her future husband, Bill. Their love began quickly but was interrupted when Bill joined the Navy in the Pacific during WWII. When he was on short leave, they married (January 9, 1946) but he had to quickly return to the Pacific. When the war ended, Bill returned home to Virginia where they spent a loving lifetime together raising their family.

After Virginia was married, she worked at Jackson Crankshaft as a Bookkeeper. She loved math and was very good with numbers.

Virginia always desired to become a nurse. In 1974, she attended Jackson Community College and obtained her Nursing degree. She worked at Mercy Hospital in Jackson until her retirement. She loved helping and caring for others.

She also loved caring for and raising her three children. Virginia loved plants and being out in her gardens; and could remember every variety of plant. She also loved "her" birds and knew every bird that graced her feeders. Furthermore, she also loved to knit and crochet and made many blankets to share with her children. She was also an excellent seamstress.

Virginia loved camping and traveled across the country with Bill and their family, seeing many National Parks and the beauty of the country. She also traveled with her husband Bill and their son, David to Europe.

A Celebration of Virginia's life will be held at the First United Methodist Church (275 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI 49201) at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service. Reverend Bradley Luck officiating. Virginia will be laid to rest at Roseland Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church of Jackson, MI or a charity of your choice.