Virginia Clarkson

Virginia Rae Clarkson passed away in Vancouver, WA at the age of 86 on July 19, 2012. She was born on June 9, 1926, in Tonasket, WA. Growing up with her sisters and brothers, she learned the values of working hard and having fun. Known for her compassion and sunny personality, she touched countless hearts while living a full and happy life. She graduated from Vancouver High School, and entered the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps, and attended Whitworth College, completing her Nurses’ Training at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, WA. Virginia married Harvey Clarkson of Danville, KY on November 7th, 1948 and followed him to Weisbaden, Germany, where he was stationed with the U.S. Air Force. The train and steam ship journey, along with the three years spent in Europe, were happy times which she loved to reminisce about. She also enjoyed the years as their family grew, residing in communities such as Hazel Dell, WA, Lincoln City, Wilsonville, and Milwaukie, OR. A sister, Rose Ellen Boydstun, preceded her in death, along with two brothers, Wallace Anderson, and Donald Anderson. Harvey preceded her in death in 1979, and also, her son David Clarkson in 1988.

Virginia’s nursing career began at Deaconess Hospital, followed by several months at Vancouver Memorial. She later worked as an RN in the Pediatric unit and the emergency room of Willamette Falls Hospital in Oregon City, OR; then as head nurse at the Willamette Methodist Convalescent Center in Milwaukie, OR until retirement in 1991. She was a Cub Scouts Den Mother, enjoyed ballroom and square dancing, and her collectibles, such as bells and Hummels. Her many talents included sewing, doing crafts, and baking. She also loved hosting parties for family and friends, decorating for the holidays, playing games, and doing puzzles. She was a member of the Air Force Wives Assoc. and The Bali Fitness Club, where she liked to do senior aerobics. As she devoted her later life to her family and spending time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she enjoyed traveling often to be with them. She attended Amazing Grace Baptist Church in Vancouver.

Survivors include her son and daughter in law, Dean and Renee Clarkson of Vancouver, WA; daughter and son in law Gail and Randy Anderson of Christopher Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada; Sister, Eleanore Boeckman of Canby, OR; Grandchildren, Mesha Perry, Samantha Logan, Joshua Clarkson, Jessica Doebler, Jenell Vanderford, Joy, Jill, Jaylene, Joanna, Julie, and Janice Clarkson, Luke, Darren, and Heidi Anderson; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 11am at the Amazing Grace Baptist Church 6902 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave. Vancouver, WA 98665. There will be a private internment at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, OR.

Arrangements are under the care of Vancouver Funeral Chapel.