Virginia Ann Varley

Virginia Ann Varley, 89, of Williamsburg, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on July 19, 2014 at her home on Skegemog Lake. Mom and our late father, Dr. Richard Varley, were married for 61 years and raised 9 children in metro Detroit. Mom was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and sister who created a welcoming home for our family and friends to enjoy. She joined us for laughs around the kitchen while preparing for family Sunday dinners, boat rides around the lake and often helped all 9 of us get some semblance of organization while getting ready for down-hill skiing at Mt. Mancelona. Ginny loved art and antiquing with her friends and especially enjoyed lunches with her bridge ladies. Mom practiced her Catholic faith daily, invited others with an open heart, remained steadfast in her commitment to family values, and was quick to use her Irish tongue and humor to help guide us. She was a staunch supporter of our Armed Forces from all generations. Mom worked at the Willow Run aircraft bomber factory during World War II that produced the same airplanes that protected Dad and other combat soldiers serving in Europe. Virginia frequently wore her Sunday best except to "Nightmare Island", which was her colorful description of the family cabin in Ontario. Mom, "may you and Dad finally enjoy that canoe ride that you began but never finished more than 40 years ago." Mom was known for many quotes and be rest assured knowing that we won't forget to "watch out for the deer" when driving up north. Mom was our Queen Bee and leaves a legacy of love and kindness to her surviving children, Margaret (Tom) Edgington, Michael (Suzanne) Varley, DDS, MaryEileen (Jerry) Dingrando, Colleen Varley, Larry (Marianne) Varley, DDS, Trisha (Kurt) VanDeusen, Frances (Russ) Parry, Tom (Pauline) Varley, Chris (Kristine) Varley and 17 grandchildren. Aso surviving are her siblings, William (Barbara) Duggan, Frances Murphy and Michael (Toni) Duggan. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, James and Thomas Duggan. Visitation will take place on Friday, Aug. 1 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with a Scripture Service at 7 p.m. Father Raymond Cotter will preside at The Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration to be held at 11 am Saturday August 2 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Acme, with visitation beginning at the church at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Oakwood Catholic Diocesan Cemetery following the mass. Memorial contributions may be directed to The Grand Traverse County Veterans Affairs, 2650 LaFranier Rd., Traverse City, 49686 or to Heartland Hospice, 4020 Copper View #113, Traverse City, 49684-7041. The family welcomes you to share your thoughts at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com as well as memories of our Mother. The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Virginia Ann Varley

October 21, 1924 - July 19, 2014