Virginia Applegate Obituary

News Death Notice

APPLEGATE, Virginia (Stears) age 85, of Middletown, went to be with the Lord on Monday, April 20, 2009. She was born November 13, 1923 in Maysville, Kentucky the daughter of Ernest Stears and Columbia Clift Stears. Virginia was gifted in music (instrumental and vocal) which she taught in public school and private practice. Her beautiful voice and playing of instruments was an inspiration to all who knew her in the churches where she and her husband ministered for over 50 years. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother. Her life was an inspiration to all who knew her. Her song will continue in the hearts and lives of the redeemed. She is survived by her husband, Rev. Virgil P. Applegate; a daughter, Paula (Applegate) Lucas of Lake Forest, CA; a son, Ron (Rose) Applegate of Ithaca, NY; five grandchildren, Benjamin (Jessica) Applegate, Nicholas Applegate, Roxanne, Ethan and Bryan Lucas; two great grandchildren, Ian and Reeve Applegate; a sister, Julia (Stears) Ramey; a brother; Allan Stears; three nephews; and six nieces. She was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Larry Lucas; a brother-in-law, Kenneth Ramey; a sister-in-law, Louella Stears; and her parents. Funeral services will be 12:00 noon Friday at the First Church of the Nazarene with Reverend Harold Graves officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until service time Friday at the church. Burial will be at the Butler County Memorial Park. Arrangements are by the Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Music Department at Mt. Vernon Nazarene University, 800 Martinsburg Road, Mt. Vernon, Ohio 43050. Condolences may be sent to the family via our website at [email protected].

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Published by Journal-News from Apr. 22 to Apr. 23, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Virginia Applegate

9 Entries

Allen & Elizabeth Wilson

April 27, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Rev. Raymon E. Baker

April 24, 2009

4-24-09
Dear Virgil, I am another of your camp products. If you remember the only black boy in 1968, you will remember me. That camp, and the 70' camp, enabled me to take enough courage to chance a try at MVNC. I am an ordained Nazarene elder and have served as youth pastor at the Los Angeles Grace Naz church and teach 5th grade at its day school. Under your ministy, and camp director Baker, I confirmed my life commitment as a Christian.

I grive with you in your loss especially with the thought in mind that behind every great man is a great woman.

Mary Stears

April 24, 2009

To the Applegate and Stears Families, our deepest sympathy for your loss. We hope that your dearest memories of Virginia will heal your hearts.
Sincerely,
Mary Stears and Family (my late husband, John, was Virginia's cousin)

Michael Hull

April 24, 2009

Virgil, you have my sympathy and prayers. I remember you from my childhood on the Northwest Ohio Camp grounds when you played basketball with us kids. I am pastoring in Hemet, California and though it has been years since I've seen you I remember you fondly and am touched by your loss.
Mike Hull, Senior Pastor Hemet, California (My dad was Bill Hull who pastored with you on the Northwest Ohio District)

Dale & Marilyn Lindon

April 23, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

joane/Rob Duff/Garrison

April 23, 2009

our loveing thought and paryers to all that loved Virginia as much as we did. God is truly lucky to have one of his angles come home to him. love and sympathys from fairborn 1st.

Karen & Dale Van Ostrand

April 23, 2009

Our deepest sympathy ~ so sorry for your loss.

Kathleen Rodgers

April 22, 2009

Thank you for being a loving sister all these years.Im going to miss you very much.You are now in heaven wit our blessed Lord whom we love very much.Watch for me because Im on my wayand Iknow that heaven is a wonderful place.It has been a loving journey for me the Lord Jesus has been so good.He will never leave or forsake us.Enjoy your new home in heaven I know there is love, joy and peace.My love forever Kathleen

Jan Poole Quinn

April 22, 2009

Virgil, Ron, Paula, and family,
"Just think of stepping on shore and finding it heaven. Of touching a hand, and finding it God's; of breathing the air, and finding it celetial; of waking up in glory, and finding it home." Oh, what a homecoming she's having!
With our heartfelt sympathies,
Jan Poole Quinn and family

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