Virginia Melton Garber

GARBER, Virginia Melton, 88, of Richmond, died peacefully April 20, 2009, surrounded by her family. She was born in Glen Allen to the late Olive Carter and John Wesley Melton and had eight brothers and sisters. Her husband, Ray "Toots" Garber, preceded her in death 30 years ago. She is survived by her four children, Rae Burnett, Janet Knaus, James Garber and his wife, Jennyce, and Anne Fano and her husband, Erwin. She had 10 grandchildren, Jeannie Ballentine, Ned Lane, Peyton Young, Caroline Hay, Lucy, Patrick and Lucas Knaus, Jessica Parks, Julia Peach, and Jonathan Garber. She had eight great-grandchildren, Carter, Lane and Mac Ballentine, Lauren, Emily, Katie and Matt Lane and Caroline Young. She worked briefly as a secretary before her marriage, and was a homemaker ever since that time. She enjoyed traveling, and made trips to Europe and took several cruises with friends as well as her late sister, Betty Coy, and her late sister-in-law and dear friend, Jeannette "Sis" Heath. Before she began residing in an assisted living facility, she remained very independent and enjoyed spending time with her many friends and generous neighbors, who helped her in many ways. She valued the companionship of her Sunday School class and the Prime Timers of Mount Vernon Baptist Church, where she was a member. She recalled with fondness many of the trips she took with that group, and enjoyed all of their adventures. She will be remembered by all who knew her as someone with a quick wit and a strong constitution. The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 22, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 W. Broad Street, also where a funeral service will be conducted April 23 at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.