Virginia Whitley Hanna was born on 7 November 1939 in Joliet, IL, to Roy and Isabelle (Keuper) Whitley. She died on 26 July 2021 in Fort Collins, CO at 81 years of age. A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Collins.
Virginia, or “Ginny”, as she was often called, met her beloved husband, R.J. Hanna on a blind date their freshman year while attending Iowa State University. She earned a degree in Food and Nutrition and Related Sciences and was very active in her Sigma Kappa sorority. Ginny and R.J. married on 12 August 1961 in Joliet and enjoyed nearly 60 years together as husband and wife. She was employed as a chemist for several years before the birth of their first child in 1964. Before settling in Fort Collins in 1975, they lived in Cincinnati, OH, Kansas City, MO and Rochester, NY.
A devoted wife and mother, Ginny regularly volunteered in her children’s schools and extra-curricular activities. She actively served her community, volunteering in her homeowners’ association, Symphony Guild, and various Presbyterian churches over the years. She enjoyed playing golf, bowling, and playing bridge. Ginny played in and enjoyed hosting several different social bridge groups both individually and with R.J. over the years. Both she and R.J. have the distinction of achieving the rank of Life Master in competitive duplicate bridge and enjoyed playing until she was no longer able because of deteriorating eyesight. Their love of bridge introduced them to many friends, and they traveled to tournaments which took them to beautiful places around the country.
Ginny never stopped enjoying reading even after she was declared legally blind; she switched to talking books and enjoyed the discussions of her Torino Circle Book Club up until her death. She was also a three-time breast cancer survivor, and had other health issues, all of which she bravely faced with a positive attitude.
Ginny loved the sunshine and the outdoors. Picnicking, hiking and sight-seeing in the beautiful Colorado mountains were favorite year-round activities. Winter weather never deterred her from having a picnic, it just got moved to the car if it was too cold or snowy. Ginny and R.J. traveled extensively over the years, but Sanibel Island, FL, was her favorite vacation spot. Shelling and walking the beach were favorite pastimes while on Sanibel; she was always on the hunt for the most unique shell she could find. She and R.J. also fondly remembered trips to Alaska, Hilton Head, SC and several trips to Hawaii, including a family trip to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Maui. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. Ginny was active, adventurous, and social throughout her life. She celebrated birthdays and holidays with aplomb and enjoyed savoring the moment of unwrapping a gift like no one else. She walked through life with joyful anticipation and gratitude.
Ginny is survived by her husband, R.J., her children, Kathy von Rosenberg (David) of Thornton, CO, Doug (Gretchen) of Mill Creek, WA, and her three grandchildren, David Hanna, Jennifer Hanna (WA), and Justin von Rosenberg (CO). She is also survived by her brother, Richard Whitley (Nancy) of Naperville, IL, and sister, Verity Whitley of Moline, IL as well as five nieces and nephews, and several great nieces and nephews.
Memorial Contributions can be made to: The American Cancer Society, The American Printing House for the Blind, or First Presbyterian Church Foundation, Caring Ministry.
