Virginia May Kulper

1933 - 2010

Virginia Kulper passed away on Dec. 18, 2010.

She was born Virginia May Somers in December 1933 at Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles. Shortly thereafter she moved with her parents, Walt and Toni Somers, to Fillmore, where her father had purchased a small ranch on Grand Avenue. Along with her younger sister, Shirley, and brother, Nelson, she grew up there, graduating from Fillmore High School in 1951, where she also reigned as Homecoming Queen.

While attending Ventura College, she met and fell in love with Ron Kulper. They were married in 1953, while Ron was serving in the Navy late in the Korean War. During Ron's overseas service, she lived with their newborn son, Mark, in a little guest house in the backyard of a home on First Street in Fillmore.

After Ron returned home in '57 they moved to Ventura, where sons Michael and Douglas were born. Ron and Virginia built a wonderful, happy life in Ventura, raising their family and never missing a basketball or little league game - or a parent-teacher conference. From the time Virginia was a young mother until she became ill, she always had an older friend or two that she was "watching out for." She would keep in touch by phone, make regular visits, and bring meals. And her meals were legendary.

Always happiest working in her garden or her kitchen, she was a master with food - and raising three always-hungry boys, meals were the center of her family life. When grandkids came along, she just took up where she left off with her sons, encouraging, reading, singing, and loving. She was never happier than when all of her "little chicks" were gathered around the big kitchen table laughing and sharing stories during and long after a wonderful meal.

Ron, the love of Virginia's life for more than 50 years (the photo above is from their 50th Anniversary), died of cancer in 2006. She was overcome by grief and never recovered. Virginia was a passionate and thoughtful woman, who cared deeply about her family, friends, and home life. With a quirky sense of humor and boundless energy, she had a quick smile, an easy laugh, and blue eyes that always reflected her zest for life. She will be missed every single day by all of us who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her sister, Shirley Williams of Fillmore; sons, Mark of Lake Oswego, Ore., Michael of Santa Barbara, and Douglas of Ventura; three grandsons and one granddaughter.

Her life will be celebrated at a private family gathering, and her ashes will be scattered with those of her husband, Ron, on family property. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Ron and Virginia Kulper Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Ferguson Case Orr Paterson, 1050 South Kimball Rd., Ventura, CA 93004. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura, CA 93003. Condolences may be left at Tedmayrfuneralhome.com.