Martha Virginia Stahly

Martha Virginia Stahly Wenatchee, WA Martha Virginia Stahly passed away quietly in her home early Tuesday morning, November 9, 2010, at the age of 82. Virginia was born June 12, 1928, in Norfolk, VA to Andrew and Martha France. She attended grammar school and high school in Norfolk and was active in theater, music and girl scouts. She learned how to play the piano at a young age and became an accomplished pianist and taught piano lessons at Ewell Piano Conservatory, and even considered pursuing a career as a concert pianist. However, after graduation, she went to William and Mary – Norfolk Campus and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture in 1950. She continued her studies in Horticulture at the School of Agriculture at the University of Maryland, where she earned her Master’s Degree in 1954. Upon graduation, she worked for the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. Virginia met Edward Arthur Stahly at the University of Maryland. They were married in Norfolk, VA on June 25, 1955, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She said they used to cook their lunch over the Bunsen burners in the laboratory. They took up residence in Greenbelt, MD, while Ed finished his PhD. in Plant Physiology and began their family. They had three children, Andrea Catherine (who passed away three days after birth), David Edward and Barbara Ann. They moved to Wenatchee in 1964, where they made their home. Virginia was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where she was active in St. Damien’s Guild for many years and the Fine Arts Docents. She also volunteered as a 4-H leader and taught Sewing and Cooking and left a legacy of serving others for her family to follow. She was an extremely talented seamstress sewing many garments with intricate designs and stitching. She especially enjoyed sewing Easter dresses for her granddaughters. She played the piano beautifully, was an avid reader (James Michner fan), and loved cooking gourmet food. Virginia was preceded in death by her loving husband, Edward Stahly; her infant daughter; her sister, Rosemary; and her grandson, Shane Christian Stahly. She is survived by her son, David and his wife, Penny, and her granddaughters, Jenny (and son-in-law, Josh), Shawndeen, Brittany, Kirsti and Sierra, all of Overland Park, KS; daughter, Barbara Kepner and her granddaughters, Kate and Allie, all of Dover, DE; and by her cousin, Carol Luty and her husband, Bob of Pennsylvania. A Catholic Mass Celebrating Virginia’s Life will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Friday, November 12, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. in Wenatchee, WA. A Burial Service will be held in Tiskilwa, IL, where she will be laid to rest next to her late husband. Memorial contributions may be made to: William & Mary Foundation, Catholic Campus Ministry, P.O. Box 1693, Williamsburg, VA 23187-8779. Arrangements by Jones & Jones~Betts Funeral Home, Wenatchee.

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Martha Virginia Stahly

June 12, 1928 - November 9, 2010