Virginia Lucille Harpst, 88, of Huntsville, passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2023 surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
Ginner, as she was often known, was born February 10, 1935 at home in Russells Point to Robert Earl and Mary Lucille (Mattox) Thompson, the second of seven children. She graduated from Washington Township High School in Lewistown.
When Virginia was younger she worked at Beatley’s Hotel and Restaurant as well as the B&C Restaurant with her mother and sisters. She also worked a short stint at Westinghouse, where she caught the eye of a coworker who was so enamored that he tripped over a basket of parts and fell. On September 1, 1956 she was married to that coworker, James Wesley Harpst in Richmond, Indiana. That marriage continued strongly for the next 67 years until her passing. Virginia was also well known from her 30+ years at Glacier Daido.
Virginia was the rock of her family. Her house was the family headquarters. She was the first person you called with any kind of news, the one who coordinated all the get togethers, who kept everyone informed, and who kept everyone fed. She loved to cook and bake for family and friends and was known for countless recipes, as diverse as her chocolate zucchini muffins to her liver and onions.
Virginia loved going to craft shows and yard sales, scouring the paper so she could plan the best route to all the sales. Virginia loved making arts and crafts and would always have new creations to give to her family. She was very passionate when it came to decorating for holidays, especially Christmas. She often won Huntsville’s Christmas decorating contest, dressed up as Santa, was recognized by the local newspaper for her Easter decorations, and would dress as a witch to pass out Halloween candy. Virginia also enjoyed some television in her later years, particularly Ohio State basketball, Dancing With The Stars, and figure skating. She was an avid collector of Longaberger baskets, Precious Moments figurines, and her latest passion – gnomes. She loved her garden and flowers, you could often find her outside tending to them.
Virginia is survived by her husband Jim, her children: Kim (Mark) Hemmer of Huntsville, Jim (Barb) Harpst of Belle Center, Jeff (Julie) Harpst of Quincy, Jon (Jane Kniska) Harpst of Huntsville, and Amy (Charlie) Garver of De Graff, grandchildren: Josh (Brittany) Harpst, Joel (Hannah Roberts) Harpst, Justin (Heather) Harpst, Mara (Tyler Maschke) Hemmer, Jesse (Ally) Harpst, and Matthew (Ashley) Hemmer, siblings: Patsy (Jay) Richardson, Betty Thompson, Bernie Wren, Bob Thompson, and Fred Thompson. She also is survived by seven great grandchildren. Virigina was preceded by her parents and sister, Ruth Ann Tallman.
Virginia will be remembered for the love she had for her family, always having an open door and the time to listen. She was the center of gravity for her family and they will dearly miss the steadying presence she provided.
Visitation will be Wednesday, October 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a service at 1:30 p.m. at Jennings Farley & Seeley Funeral Home (5591 US-68, West Liberty, OH 43357). Internment will follow at Huntsville Cemetery.
