Virginia Isabelle McClenathan, 88, of Akron, formerly of Crestline and Galion, was ushered into God's grace Nov. 1, 2009, at Hospice Care Center in Akron after several years of declining health.

A descendant of John Russell, one of the first settlers in the Crestline area, Virginia was born at home in Crestline on Sept. 25, 1921, to the late Harry and Mary (Teeter Leicy) Stuck. She was a 1939 graduate of Crestline High School where she was a drummer in the band.

Virginia was a member of First English Evangelical Lutheran Church where she served faithfully singing in the choir, attending Friendship Class Sunday School, and the Ruth Circle. After retiring from Fischer Bros. Aviation in Galion as a ticket revenue accountant, she worked part-time as a sales clerk in the infants section of Lazarus Dept. Store. Prior to that, she was a bookkeeper at Concrete Products in Crestline for over 20 years, and also operated "Ginny's Gift Shop" out of her home on E. Main St., selling greeting cards, dinner and party supplies, and jewelry.

Known fondly as "Ginny" to some, Virginia pursued many interests including gardening, sewing and crocheting, and crafts, selling over 100 "dammit dolls." She loved her family and organized many family reunion dinners and special occasions. Virginia enjoyed a variety of card games, crosswords, and lots of music, including sacred, Hawaiian tunes, "Your Hit Parade," and couldn't resist a Sousa march. She was a life-long fan of the Cleveland Indians, and her quick wit was the source of much laughter among family and friends.

Virginia is survived by her son, Mark McClenathan, of Akron; a sister, Leona Horning of Anchorage, Alaska; seven nieces and nephews; cousins, Carolyn Clever, Rosemary Laser, Frank Teeter, and Ruby Gabor and special friends, Deb Payton and Evelyn Morton of Galion.

She was preceded in death by brothers William "Bill" Leicy and wife Mary, Elwood Leicy, and Paul Holt and wife Rose; good friend, Geraldine McKee of Mansfield, and special friend Dick Reed of Bucyrus.

Friends may call from 12 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 410 N. Thoman Street in Crestline where services will be held at 2 p.m., Nov. 4 with Pastor Diana Seaman officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Crestline. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 410 N. Thoman Street, Crestline, OH 44827.