Virginia M. Nessley

NESSLEY (Millar) Virginia M. (Millar) Nessley, 87, passed away peacefully at The Woodlands of Columbus on Thursday, September 8, 2011. She was born January 27, 1924 in Reynoldsburg, Ohio to the late Agnes (Pickering) and Jacob Wason Millar. Surviving are her husband, David M. Nessley, Sr; daughter, Sharon (Craig Copenhefer) Sellitto; step-children, David M. Nessley, Jr., Jan (George) Tully; step-grandchildren, Jonathan Nessley, Jason Tully, Sarah (Adrian) Garza; and step-great-granddaughter, Mia Garza; many dear relatives and friends. Preceding her in death are her husbands Clifford E. Viles and Clair B. Cosner, son Paul Steven Cosner, brothers Francis (Evelyn), Carlos (Nancy), Paul (Maebelle), Howard (Mary) and infant son Millar, sisters Mary Catherine (Phil) Shannon and baby Lucy Millar, step-daughter Doris (Cosner) Nolan and her dear kitty Carmel. A Procurement Agent at Defense Construction Supply Center, Virginia retired after 31 years of service. She took pride in being part of the Red Ball Express during the Vietnam War, providing soldiers with everything they needed to perform their duties and keep safe. A life member of Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church and member of the Reynoldsburg-Truro Historical Society, Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society, and Reynoldsburg Alumni Association where she and Dave attended many banquets filled with great memories, much laughter, and wonderful friendships. The Valedictorian of Pickerington High School class of 1941, Virginia was very proud to be the great, great, great niece of Squire Abraham Pickering who founded Pickerington in 1815. Until recently, the Squire's farm was still in the family. After it was sold Virginia shared many family heirlooms with the historical society for display. An avid reader who treasured her library card, Virginia loved genealogy and took great joy in the Millar Family Reunion which has been held for 116 years uniting many relatives to share good food, good times and good genes. She was also a 25+ year member of the Mathias Ridenour Chapter of the DAR. Virginia lived the life of a mid-western wife and mother who enjoyed working, square dancing, fishing, and flowers. All of that life changed in 1984 when her only son, Paul, disappeared without a trace from his San Francisco home. Upon hearing the news from her daughter, Virginia and Dave immediately came to search, support, and attempt to find Paul. Nearly a year later, two men were caught driving Paul's car. One of the men killed himself and one escaped, but clues in the car stopped two serial killers in their tracks. This event gave birth to Virginia Nessley, Crime Victim's Rights Advocate. Noone, was going to kidnap and murder her son and get away with it. After months of searching the murderer was caught in Canada. Until then, no one had ever been extradited to face the death penalty. Virginia, her family, and other victim's families wrote letters, petitioned, lobbied Parliament, and fought to the Supreme Court, changing Canadian Law, and the accused murderer was extradited to California to face 12 counts of murder with death penalty specifications. After another eight years of relentless prodding by Virginia, the case was tried and 14 years after Paul's murder the killer was given 12 death sentences. She often referred to the 14 years of hell as her own personal holocaust. Eventually, Virginia finally regained a little joy in her life after her daughter moved back to Granville, Ohio. Virginia and Dave spent so much time in Granville at parades, parks, parties, and quilt shows that she earned the nickname around town as "Cute-as-a-Button Virginia." And she was! To honor Virginia's request, there will be no services. Private interment will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Granville, Ohio. Contributions in her memory made to Honor Flight Columbus, 2185 Ridgecliff Rd., Columbus, OH 43221, would be treasured. Honor Flight transports WWII veterans to see their memorial in Washington D.C. Arrangements are in the care of McPEEK-HOEKSTRA FUNERAL HOME in Granville. To ensure family receipt, please express all online condolences at www.mcpeekhoekstra.com