Virginia Linn

Virginia Linn-Babcock, age 98, of Chandler, OK, passed away Thursday, October 8, 2020 with her sons by her side. She was born Dicie Virginia Lake on July 12, 1922 in Hugo, Oklahoma, the daughter of Arthur and Odie Lake.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; husband of nearly 50 years, William Robert Linn; one son, Robert Wayne Linn; and two stepsons, William Robert "Bobby" Linn, Jr. and Freddie Lee Linn.

Virginia is survived by two sons, Gordan Grace and wife Janie of Willow Park, TX and Larry Linn and wife Donna of Chandler, OK; daughter, Cathy Heird and husband David of Kingman, AZ; 25 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and several great-great grandchildren. She has many other family members, caretakers, and dear friends that will greatly miss her, as well.

Virginia was the oldest sister to eight siblings and was deeply devoted to them throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her brother, Arthur William Lake, Jr., and sister, Betty Jo Toney. She is survived by brothers: Eldon Lake, Stanley Lake, and Richard Lake; and sisters, Doris O'Dell and Delores Helberg. After the passing of their parents, Virginia and her siblings began having a family reunion each year. The Lake Reunion was something Virginia and her family looked forward to every year and was one of the memories Virginia held most dear. The reunion is still enjoyed by Virginia's surviving siblings and their children and grandchildren.

As a young woman, Virginia was a real-life "Rosie the Riveter" when she worked at Tinker Field, driving rivets into the tails of C-47 aircraft. She was very proud to have served her country during World War II and said she would have gladly done so again.

Virginia married William Robert Linn in October, 1944. They spent the next 50 years raising their children and loving on their grandchildren. One of Virginia's most precious memories was hosting Thanksgiving dinner at their family home in Luther, OK. When asked what she was most proud of, she quickly answered her family. She loved all of them very much and loved to brag about their accomplishments. Outside of family, Virginia stated that she enjoyed working in the bakery at Central State University, where she baked all types of pastries, specializing in wedding cakes. Virginia also mentioned her love for many close friends and, even in her final years, she delighted in making friends with the faculty and residents at her nursing facility.

Virginia also took a great deal of pride in taking care of herself. She was unwavering in having her hair set each week and her fingernails were always manicured to perfection. Her sense of style and class was undeniable and she had a great appreciation for a new pair of earrings. So, the next time you are getting a manicure, eating a Thanksgiving feast, or see a "Rosie the Riveter" poster, I hope you take a moment to remember one of the longest, well-lived lives that many of us will ever witness.