Virginia Lee Milton Houtby

Virginia Lee Milton Houtby passed away peacefully on the morning of December 10th, 2017 one week shy of her 95th birthday. She was born in Reedley, California on December 17th, 1922 to Lewis “Clay” and Grace Milton, joining brother Clay and later siblings Jeannetta and Richard. They grew up on the family ranch outside of Parlier and attended schools there where Virginia graduated as co-valedictorian from Parlier High School in 1940. During World War II, while attending Reedley College, she was recruited by a business teacher to work as executive assistant to the commander in charge at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, a courageous and exciting adventure for a young, single woman of the time. Virginia returned to Reedley in 1945 to accept a job with the President of Reedley College as his administrative assistant. Virginia was also in charge of payroll and first met her husband, Kenneth Houtby, a college ag teacher, when he came in to pick up his check from her. They were married on July 5th, 1947 and lived in Reedley until his death on January 12, 1996, just six months before their 50th wedding anniversary.

Virginia’s life in Reedley was dedicated to her family first and foremost. She was a wonderful wife to Ken and mother to Susan Lee (1950), Cheryl Anne (1955) and Kenneth Milton (1958). She was involved with school functions, both for her children as well as hosting many dinners and activities for the Reedley College Ag Department. She was a longtime member of the Reedley Drama Club, a bridge club member and spent many years working on the Young Farmer’s booth at the Fresno County Fair. Virginia and Ken were devoted and involved members of the Reedley United Methodist Church and served as Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, Board of Trustees members as well as involved with many other church positions.

While Ken taught at Reedley College, Virginia was the beloved bookkeeper for Bill Belknaps’ Well Drilling and known as “GiGi” to all of the Belknap kids. She treasured her friendship with Jewell and they shared coffee and laughter throughout the day. The Houtby’s and Belknap’s share a special bond to this day. She had a second family with her long time neighbors, the Brooks, and developed a strong connection with her 96 year sidekick, “the other Virginia” Ruth.

Virginia is predeceased by both her parents, loving husband Kenneth, daughter, Susan and son-in-law, Arthur Lawrence, brothers Clay and Richard Milton and sister, Jeannetta Grisso. She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Redgate (Patrick) of Long Beach, son Ken Houtby (Julie) of Fortuna and beloved grandchildren, Brittany Redgate (Dan), John Houtby, Andrew Houtby (Alyssa), Dr. Christopher Redgate (Liane), Ryan Houtby (Marci). She was blessed with a great grandchild, Mackenna and many beloved nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews as well as sister-in-law, Barbara Milton of Reedley and brother-in-law, Roy Grisso of Santa Maria. Virginia loved spending any time she could surrounded by her family, cooking and celebrating being together. She took great delight in what her grandkids were doing and was eager to get the lowdown while preparing her famous waffle breakfasts with them. She loved the mountains, the ocean, trees, flowers, dancing, laughing and putting everyone at ease. Virginia loved life!

Virginia was very thankful for the love and support from her nephews, Rick (Denise) and Rod (Kathy) Milton and all of the help they have offered her over these years and had much gratitude for her caregivers, Linda Jarman and Rosie Davis. Her sense of humor was wonderful and her capacity to love limitless. She will be missed dearly.

A memorial service is being held on December 15th, at 2:00 p.m. at the Reedley United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made payable to the Reedley College Foundation, P. O . Box 227, Reedley, CA 93654 for the Ken and Virginia Houtby Scholarship or the Susan Lawrence Memorial Scholarship, Montesano High School, 303 N. Church, Montesano, WA 98563.