Virginia Ruth Shoberg

Virginia Ruth Snyder Shoberg Confare, age 76, passed away on June 1, 2026, in Scottsdale, AZ. She was born on July 15, 1949, in Fremont, Nebraska.

Virginia devoted her life to music and faith, beginning her lifelong calling as a church organist at the remarkable age of 12. From those early beginnings, her gift for music became a defining thread throughout her life. She was deeply committed to her craft and found meaning in sharing music within the church and with her community.

She pursued formal musical training at the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, earning both her Bachelor of Music (BS) and Master of Music (MM) degrees, further refining the talent that would become central to her identity and service.

Virginia is survived by her husband, Robert W. Confare. They shared over 14 years of marriage filled with deep love and companionship. Their bond was strengthened by a tremendous shared love of music, and together they traveled the world, experiencing and celebrating music across cultures and places. Robert was an important part of her life and journey, and their time together remained a treasured part of her story.

Though she did not have children, she is lovingly remembered by her family, especially her brother Pat Snyder, his wife Julia, and their children Jana, Jonathan, and Amy, who carry forward her memory and legacy.

Virginia will be remembered for her devotion to music, her beautiful smile, and the beauty she brought into the lives of others through her work as a church organist. Her music was not only a profession, but a ministry—one that touched many over the course of her life.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, artistry, and dedication. Her family takes comfort in knowing that her music and memory will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A funeral Mass celebrating Virginia's life will be held on Friday, June 19, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Scottsdale, Arizona.