Virginia Calkins

Virginia V. Calkins, age 86 passed away August 19, 2013 peacefully in Madison with family near. She was born on the Vincent family farm in DeForest, the daughter of Rex and Myrtle "Solheim" Vincent. Virginia was a delightful loving and caring lady who enjoyed being surrounded by her family and people in general. She was "Grandma Ginny" to many, always offering a non-judgmental caring ear and a cup half-full spirit. She enjoyed spending hours with her grandchildren, going to lunch with the "girls", digging in the garden, a cup of coffee, a good conversation and football. Yes football! A big Packer fan, she enjoyed watching ANY game on TV. She was united in marriage to George Willard Calkins III on October 5, 1946 in Madison. They spent 15 of their first 20 years of marriage in Norfolk VA raising 3 active boys while George served in the Navy. While there she served her Church, the Ladies Auxiliary and was a Cub Scout Den Mother for 5 years. In 1967 the family moved back to DeForest WI which brought Virginia great joy being reunited with her family, specially her sister Kathryn. The duo lovingly nick-named the Fireplug Sisters enjoyed being together. A heart attack and cancer survivor, Virginia was widowed after 58 years of marriage. The last two and half years of Virginia's life was enriched by a restored friendship with an old high school flame Jim Leonard. After seeing his name in the paper Virginia called Jim and reignited a 70-year-old spark. Their time together was a blessing for each of them along with their families. Virginia will be missed by her sons Jeff(Barb) Calkins of Madison and Rex(Louie) Calkins of Riverside CA; daughter-in-law Cathy Calkins of LaVerne CA; grandchildren Kelli Calkins of Madison, Shawn Calkins of LaVerne CA, Alicia Sondelski of Mosinee WI; Great-Grandchildren Laila, Wendiemarie and Libby; special friend Jim and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Still we take delight in knowing she is home with her Savior Jesus. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, a sister, her husband George and son Steven. A public memorial service will be held on Saturday August 31, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Windsor United Church of Christ 4434 Second St Windsor WI. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Assoc. or the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.