Virginia Louise Pallais

Virginia Pallais, 93, of Oxnard, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2014. She was born November 22, 1920 in El Dorado Springs, Kansas. Virginia came to Ventura from Kansas during the dust bowl in a model T Ford with her grandparents, in hopes of a better life. Her mother, Cleo Kimbrough and her two sisters, Rosemary Manzer and Ann Lassiter soon followed.

Virginia was a very successful business woman. She owned two liquor stores and a grocery store in Port Hueneme and Oxnard. Virginia, along with her mother, opened a full-service restaurant that included a drive-in in Ventura. Virginia managed the drive-in while working as a car hop. Her sisters and mother ran the coffee shop, dining room and kitchen. A few years later, she and her mother became partners in a restaurant called Cleo's, in Ventura. This is where she met her husband, Armando, a young navy doctor searching for a place to start his practice. Virginia married Dr. Armando Pallais on April 15, 1948. They enjoyed 47 wonderful years together until his death in 1995. Virginia ran the medical office for several years as well as assisted him with patients. She also attended Life Bible College in Los Angeles.

She became a homemaker after that, dedicating her life to raising her three children.

Virginia's hobbies included needlepoint and traveling. She traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia. Virginia was known for her amazing cooking skills. She loved playing the stock market and was consistently successful with her stock picks. She was an active member of the Ventura County Women's Medical Auxiliary. Virginia had many friends in the community and was a mentor to many young women.

Virginia is survived by her three children; Steve Pallais, Sharon (Victor) Martinez and Scott (Marline) Pallais; stepson, Robert (Laura) Pallais and stepdaughter, Tina (Gene) Gulish. Also survived by grandchildren; Reilly (Joel) Garcia, Brennan and Morgan Donlon, Vladimir and Mariya Pallais, Allison Pallais, David Pallais, Nicole (Aaron) Kemp, Heather Gladwell, Erin Gulish, Laurel (Brad) Beckham, Kristopher (Amby) Gulish and Jesse (Kesha) Gulish; great-grandchildren, Juliah (Josh) Custodio, Diego and Adrian Garcia, Gregory Kemp, Alexa, Ryan, Serena, Thatcher, Avery, Brady, Gatlin, Savannah, Maverick and Wesson and great-great grandson, Carson Custodio.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, January 30, 2014, 4-7p.m. at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Funeral service will be held Friday, January 31, 2014, at 10:30a.m. also at Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road, Ventura.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.