Virginia Lee Alden

Born in Ashland, Missouri, she was the daughter of Luther Todd and Gertrude (Adkins) Todd. She attended Keene School through the 8th grade and graduated from Hickman High School in 1954. She worked at the University of Missouri Bookstore and as a secretary at the Boone County Extension Office until 1959.

As a young girl growing up on a farm just outside of Columbia, she was a member of the 4H Club and won multiple ribbons showing her family’s sheep in competitions at the Boone County Fair. As an adult, she joined a local Hallmark Club as a leader/member for many years and collected multiple ornament and miniature series. Some, like her grandsons, will remember her for her delicious apple pie and Beanie Baby collection. But many will remember her for her extensive daylily flower beds that adorned her backyard. She took great care and pride in the multiple varieties and colors of the daylilies, which included name plackets she made for each flower species.

Known as Virginia or Gennie, she will be remembered fondly for her big hugs, warm smiles, and welcoming heart. She was generous with her children, grandchildren, family, neighbors, and the many long-term friendships that she adored. She loved to visit with her guests and always had cream soda in her refrigerator and a kitchen counter full of sweet treats in the yellow brick house that Jack built. A house full of her antiques, collections, and photos, including fond memories of the many gatherings she hosted for friends and family, over the years, in the basement and big backyard. She decorated her home for every holiday with Christmas being her favorite.

She is survived by her two children, Rebecca Barthol (husband Craig Barthol), and Todd Alden (wife Lori Alden), her two grandsons (Jaden Barthol and Raleigh Barthol) and two step-granddaughters (Katie Benthall and Kelsey Benthall). Virginia’s parents, six sisters and one brother have all proceeded her in death.

The service will be held on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel at Dignity Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W, Columbia, MO 65202. There will be a brief visitation, starting at 1:00 p.m., prior to the service.

Her children want to thank Bluff Creek Terrance Assisted Living, Bluff Creek Terrace Memory Care and The Neighborhood by TigerPlace for the outstanding care of their mother over the past year.