Virginia Lee Dean

Virginia was born August 26, 1923, in McLouth, Kansas to Willa Chase Lindsay and Albert W. Newby. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and a sister, her first husband Clarence (Rog) Rogers; second husband John Dean and third husband, Doug Tuttle and son-in-law Terry Wagner.

After her mother's death at age 6, Virginia's grandmother Ella Lindsay had a predominant part of her upbringing. Virginia described her grandmother as a petite, strong and rather feisty little lady, all qualities that Virginia shared as well.

She grew up in Lawrence, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri, where some of her favorite memories included making homemade root beer for ice cream floats on her birthday and listening to the programs on the radio.

After graduating from East High School in 1940, Virginia enrolled in Kansas City Junior College for classes in business, shorthand and typing. She met her first husband, Clarence Rogers (Rog) shortly after. They married July 17, 1942, before Rog enlisted in the Air Force. One of Virginia's favorite stories was when she was mistaken by police as a runaway while staying overnight at the St. Louis depot waiting for Rog to arrive on leave. During WWII, Virginia worked for Western Auto in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, overlooking Union Station. The young workers boosted morale by calling our the windows to soldiers below.

Just as the war ended, Virginia and Rog welcomed daughter Carol and moved to Des Moines, Iowa. After moving back to Kansas City, daughter Diane was born. They settled in Raytown, where they lived for many years. Virginia sold Avon while her daughters were young, and then worked for the Raytown School District, first in the high school cafeteria, then as the Secretary of Robinson Elementary School from 1959 until her retirement in 1979. They took annual summer vacations and eventually built a cabin at the Lake of the Ozarks, where many good times were had boating and skiing.

Virginia and Rog had seven grandchildren and played a major role in their lives. She delighted in spoiling them with fried chicken, snickerdoodles and a seemingly endless supply of ice cream and Hershey Kisses. She believed in finding joy everyday and consistently modeled that for others. Some of her last words of advice were to remind her grandchildren to lead exciting lives.

Upon retirement, Virginia and Rog purchased an Airstream Trailer and traveled the United States, Mexico, and Canada with the Wally Byam Caravan Club International. They made many lasting friends and saw beautiful sights across the country. Virginia later became the first woman President of the Kansas City Unit. They also spent winters in the Airstream in Texas, Florida, and Arizona.

Virginia and Rog celebrated 50 years of marriage July 17, 1992. Rog had been ill and sadly passed away shortly after. Virginia was devastated at losing Rog and sold the Airstream thinking that part of her life was over. But Virginia was never one to feel sorry for herself long. Her family was her lifeline, and her Airstream friends kept her close.

She bought a smaller Airstream B Van and hit the road again. It was on one trips she met her second husband, John Dean. John was a kind and gentle man who had served in the Army Tank Division during the war. Virginia and John enjoyed many travels and were married for three years before his death in 2000.

Not wanting to face cold Kansas City winters alone, Virginia spent the winter in Surprise, Arizona. She met a great group of friends who introduced her to her third husband , Doug Tuttle. Doug was from Grand Marais, Minnesota where his family had owned a lodge in the North Woods. For many years, Virginia and Doug split time between their homes in Arizona, Minnesota, and Kansas City, eventually moving to Overland Park, Kansas full time before Doug's death in 2020.

Virginia was certain that some thought she was crazy to marry three times, but she considered herself lucky to have the people, husbands, children, wonderful grandchildren, great- and great-great grandchildren and friends in her life that she enjoyed so much. She felt she could not have wanted for more and asked that we all remember that when she passed.

Virginia was a feisty, fiercely independent woman who was loved by everyone she met. We will miss her stories and wise words for advice. She was often asked for her secret to living such a long life. She mostly responded that she didn't have a secret and was just very blessed. Like everyone, she faced adversity many times throughout her life. She always found the shiny side of the coin and made the very best of every situation.

Virginia is survived by daughters Carol Wagner of Camdenton, Missouri; Diane Jenkins (Jim) of Independence, Missouri, seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren; three nephews, a niece, and their families.

A Celebration of Life will take place Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM at The Whispering Meadows Clubhouse (4455 S. Davidson Dr., Independence, MO 64055).