Virginia Rae Lenhart, 91, of Scottsbluff, passed away October 14, 2021 at the Western Nebraska Veterans Home in Scottsbluff. Visitation will be from 4 pm to 6:30 pm on Sunday, October 17, 2021 with a Rosary at 6:30 PM at Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, October 18, 2021 at Christ The King Catholic Church in Gering with Father Mike McDonald officiating. Interment will follow at East Lawn Cemetery near Minatare. Memorials to St. Jude’s Hospital in Denver or St. Joseph's Children's Home in Torrington, WY. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dugankramer.com for the Lenhart family.
Virginia was born June 21, 1930 at Sargent, Nebraska to Ray and Violet (Sargent) Finley. She moved with her family to Merriman, Nebraska and later to Long Beach, California where she graduated from High School in 1948.
She returned to Merriman and taught in a rural one-room school. She later moved to Gordon, Nebraska where she met and married Glen L. Piper on October 9, 1949. To this union two children were born: Wrayanne and Patrick. Glen passed away in 1956. She later married Gene Lenhart on April 24, 1965. To this union two children were born: Lisa and Michael.
Virginia worked as a bookkeeper for several businesses in Gordon, Nebraska. She and Gene moved to Gering where Gene operated and then owned Platte Valley Livestock Auction Company from 1972-1992. She was also associated with Helberg & Nuss Auction Services. She enjoyed quilting for her children and grandchildren. Virginia loved spending time with her grandchildren, working in her yard, reading, collecting western art, and working on genealogy.
Virginia was a member of Christ The King Catholic Church in Gering.
Virginia is survived by her children Wrayanne (Rick) Shannon of Sheridan, WY, Pat Piper of Scottsbluff, Lisa Todd of Minatare and Michael (Rebecca) Lenhart of Minatare; grandchildren: Nicole (Russell) Reiken, Kyle Benedickt, Kerstin (Andy) Clarkson, Sarah Piper, Caitlin (Jake) Pittman, Jordan (Emily) Todd, Miranda (Matt) Freese, Hannah (Randy) Shields, and Miles (Ingrid) Lenhart; 13 great-grandchildren; brother Donald (Mary Ann) Kaelber of South Dakota; sister Joyce Schaffer of MO; nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Glen Piper, second husband Gene Lenhart, son-in-law Kirk Benedickt daughter-in-law Vickie Piper, and sister Norma Young.
