Virginia May Berkey

We are so sad to announce the passing of Virginia (Ginny) May Berkey, 75 of Mesa Arizona. She left this world unexpectedly on July 8th 2024 after complications with her new cancer treatments. Virginia was born on September 20th 1948 to Stanford Leroy Cherry and Jeanne Elizabeth Black Cherry in Willard Hospital in Ohio. She grew up on a farm with her 4 brothers Dwight, John, David, and Richard and graduated from Willard High School in 1966. Later she earned an Associates Degree at Tiffin University in Ohio. She worked at Heidelberg College as a secretary, which started her long career in the administrative field. Later in life she was employed with the Bureau of Land Management for a number of years.

Soon after college, Virginia met the love of her life, John Berkey and they were married on August 8th 1971. John and Virginia enjoyed traveling the country in a motorhome with their two huskies. Eventually they welcomed their only child, Erin Elizabeth on December 22, 1981 and relocated to Portland, Oregon when she was about 2 or 3 years old. Becoming a mother was a dream come true for Virginia and she cherished her close relationship with Erin. Erin and her spouse Joshua Hagen brought so much joy to Virginia’s life.

Virginia lit up the room with her smile, laughter and bright colorful clothes! She truly had a heart of gold and will be missed by all who knew her. She was a devoted mother, wife and friend. She loved the color purple, Mannheim Steamroller, doing cross stitch and other various art projects. She was extremely passionate about reading and going on adventures with John on their motorcycles, but most of all, she LOVED taking care of her family!!!

Virginia was predeceased in death by her parents, Jeanne and Stanford Cherry. She is survived by her husband John, daughter Erin and son- in- law, Joshua Hagen and four brothers.

We love and miss you dearly, Virginia!!! You will always and forever be in our hearts!!!

Until we meet again!