Helen Shirley Whitney Virgin

Helen S (Whitney) Virgin passed away at home on April 20, 2013. She was born on July 16, 1934, to Kenneth D. Whitney and Hazel C. (Welch) Whitney in Rocklyn Washington. Helen was the eldest of three children and grew up on a ranch in the Davenport area. Helen attended Harrington Grade School for several years and then moved to the Davenport School System. Helen graduated from Davenport High School and was an accordion player in the high school marching band. Helen attended Washington State University and Eastern Oregon University, where she earned her BS and MS. Helen moved with her family to Alaska in the early 60’s to work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a Teacher and Administrator for 20 years. She earned her PHD from the University of Oregon in 1977. Helen retired out of Alaska and returned to her family home in Davenport Washington to her first love of raising and training Quarter Horses. Helen is survived by her children: Marlin Virg-In of Alaska, Steve Virg-In of Alaska, Alex Virg-In of Alaska, and Lanette Virgin of Washington, her children’s father Raymond Verg-In, along with 14 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Helen is also survived by her brother John (Bud) Whitney and his wife Joanne Whitney, brother-in-law Ron Wiklund, 9 nieces and nephews, as well as numerous cousins. Helen is predeceased by her parents Kenneth and Hazel Whitney, her sister Roberta (Bertie) Wikland, an infant son Arlie Virgin, her granddaughter Victoria (Tori) Gibson, and her great grandson Joshua Holland. In her early years Helen loved horses, music, quilting, reading, and was a member of the Davenport Rainbow Girls. In college, Helen joined the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority at Washington State, and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Chi of Eastern Oregon. Helen loved to fly her airplane and was an Alaska bush pilot for many years. Helen joined the Order of Eastern Star after retirement and was Past Worthy Matron, along with Egypt Homemakers, and Davenport Krazy Quilters. Helen was also a Clothing and Textile Advisor with the Cooperative Extension of Washington State University and avid supporter of the Davenport Public Library. Graveside Service will be held on Friday, April 26, 2013 at 1:00 PM at Mt. View Cemetery, Davenport, WA with Pastor Ted Broadway, officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: St. Labre Indian School of Ashland, Montana 59004, Davenport Public Library PO Box 26, Davenport, WA 99122, or Assured Hospice 1417 S. Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837. Please sign our online guestbook at www.stratefuneralhome.com. STRATE FUNERAL HOME, WA is caring for the family.