Virginia Guertler

Born into Earthly life on April 3rd, 1929

Born into Eternal life on April 20th, 2016

Like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, Mom left her earthly body and moved on to eternal life upon angel’s wings. Virginia M. Guertler, born April 3rd, 1929, passed away peacefully at home on April 20th, 2016 with family by her side. We are sure she was welcomed into heaven with the words “Well done good and faithful servant”. She was a loving and faithful wife and mother as well as a loving daughter, sister, friend, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother. Our family, friends, and the community lost a true representation of Christian love and while we are saddened at the loss, we are not sorrowful. She lived a full and productive life, enriching everyone who had the fortune to know her.

Virginia was born in Philadelphia, PA, where she met and married Frank A. Guertler, her loving husband of 64 years. In search of better opportunities, they moved their family to Staunton in 1964 when Frank started working for American Safety Razor. Virginia, known as Ginny to her friends and family, stayed at home to raise their 10 children. Her life revolved around making our house a home. The food was always good and there was always room at the dinner table for a friend. Dinner would typically end with her reading at least one poem which always had an important life lesson. She worked tirelessly, as one would have to, when there are 7 boys and 3 girls that need tending! She had a special interest in the well-being of children everywhere which was reflected in her willingness to take in foster children even though she had 10 of her own! Caring for and about children was a defining character of Ginny and those with disabilities held a special place in her heart. This was reflected in the years she spent working as an aide at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind, taking many of the children swimming each Saturday.

Upon their retirement to the Shenandoah Valley, Ginny was very active in the community through St. John's Catholic Church, Hospice of Augusta Health, and teaching and performing clogging with the Mountain Heritage Cloggers (a group which she founded and which is still performing to this day). Ginny truly appreciated all she had and looked to share with others whenever and however possible.

She was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Virginia Lenaghan, her husband Frank, her sister Rose Linnane, her son, Joseph, and her granddaughter Samantha Gray.

She is survived by her sisters Joan Handy and Mary Campbell, her brother Art Lenaghan, and her 10 children; Frank, Christine, Edward, David, Andrew, Daniel, Kathleen, Michael, Philip, and Maria. She is also survived by her daughters-in-law, Rosemarie, Jane, Eileen, Teri, Cathy, and Cindy and her sons-in-law, Bruce Parker and John Gray all of whom she viewed, treated, and loved as her own. There are also 26 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren that will carry on the legacy of love, family unity, and service instilled by both Ginny and Frank.

There are many individuals who have provided friendship, care, support, and love to our parents and we thank them all. They know who they are. We wish to specifically thank Bob and Millie Simmons who define what 'good neighbors' truly are. We thank Michelle Hudson for the loving and tender care she provided. We thank Shelley Snodgrass, MD and the excellent care mom always received at Augusta Health. Special thanks to Moms in Motion and Sandi Cleveland who helped us navigate the Medicare system and obtain extra help for her and last but certainly not least to Augusta Health Hospice who provided gentle care and guidance during mom’s final months.

A memorial service will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 344 Maple Ave., Waynesboro, VA at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 7th, 2016.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Hospice House at Augusta Health.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes & Crematory of Waynesboro. – Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com