Virginia L Chamness

Virginia L. (Wegner) Chamness, 85, of Mishawaka, peacefully passed on October 26, 2025. Virginia was born on February 16, 1940, to Fred and Donnabelle (Ameigh) Wegner, and from her earliest days, she radiated warmth, joy, and a gentle strength that would define her for all her years. The second oldest in her family, Virginia grew up surrounded by laughter, hard work, and the love of her siblings - qualities she carried with her throughout her life.
Those who knew Virginia remember her as a woman who could light up any room with her great smile and contagious laughter. She had a natural ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued, no matter the situation. Whether she was visiting with family, meeting friends for lunch, or chatting with neighbors, her energy and happiness were impossible to ignore.
For Virginia, family was everything. Her weekly Thursday visits were treasured moments - a time for catching up, sharing stories, and, of course, tackling her famous "to-do lists." She loved keeping everyone involved in her plans: Brian was her go-to for doctor appointments and anything health and financial-related, while Brad often found himself assigned the handyman jobs. These visits were always filled with conversation, laughter, and Virginia's endless curiosity about everyone's lives - especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was endlessly proud of them, never missing an opportunity to celebrate their milestones or brag a little about their accomplishments.
Virginia's love of life was expressed through her many passions. She was a woman of both adventure and routine, equally content fishing or golfing in her woman's league. Later in life, researching NFL players on ESPN app and managing her fantasy football lineup daily. Introduced to fantasy football by Brad, she became a devoted fan - cheering on her players, swapping stats, and playfully competing with her family. Her enthusiasm for the game reflected her fun-loving, competitive nature and her ability to find joy in the smallest things.
Virginia had a special bond with her faithful companion, her dog Oy, who was by her side for 12 years. The two were inseparable, the comfort and loyalty they shared was a testament to Virginia's tender heart and her way of nurturing everyone - people and pets alike.
Virginia and her beloved husband, William "Butch" Chamness, shared a remarkable 61-year marriage, beginning on January 26, 1958, and lasting until Butch's passing on March 11, 2019. Together, they built a beautiful life full of adventure, hard work, and devotion. Theirs was a true partnership, marked by laughter, shared dreams, and endless support for one another. They loved to travel throughout the country especially to Mexico, where they made countless memories with their dear friends, and often with her sister Barb and brother-in-law Tom Friedman. Later in life, they found joy and community spending winters in North Fort Myers, Florida, where they enjoyed the warm weather and going out to listen to all the live music at the bars. Those sunny days in Florida, surrounded by good company and simple pleasures, were among Virginia's happiest times.
Virginia also had a deep appreciation for the beauty of the past - she loved exploring antique stores and estate sales, always on the lookout for a hidden treasure or something that sparked a memory. She was sentimental at heart, finding joy in small objects that carried big stories.
Though she loved her leisure, Virginia was a woman of incredible drive and entrepreneurial spirit. In the 1970s, she opened a carry-out pizza shop, pouring her creativity and perfectionism into every detail. She became known for her impeccable pizzas - crafted with precision and pride - a true "pizza perfectionist" by every standard.. And by the early 1980s, she and Butch, alongside their close friends Ray and Rea Boomhower, took on their next big adventure: owning the Timberline Inn in Dowagiac, Michigan. In the late 1980s, Butch and Virginia purchased the Dari Fair in Twin Branch. It was quite the family affair, her sister-in-law Connie helped run the place with help from her granddaughters, Shea and Lacy. At each of these endeavors, Virginia was working full time at AM General. Virginia had a strong work ethic, natural business sense and the determination to make things happen.
Despite her success, Virginia was down-to-earth and humble. She lived modestly, always mindful and frugal - getting her to spend money on herself was nearly impossible. But what she lacked in extravagance, she made up for in generosity of spirit. She gave freely of her time, attention, and care to everyone she loved. She believed in doing good quietly and without recognition.
Virginia's personality was truly one of a kind - she was never confrontational, always kind, and had the rare gift of finding something good to say about everyone. Her positivity was genuine and unwavering, even through illness or loss. She was the type of person who could find joy in a rainy day, comfort in a conversation, and laughter in any situation. Her grace, resilience, and optimism inspired all who knew her.
Virginia's greatest joy in life was her family. She adored her sons Brad (Kelly) Chamness and Brian (Julie) Chamness, and she was endlessly proud of the family they built. Her love extended to her grandchildren - Shea (Kevin) Johnson, Lacy (Jason) Katowich, Matt Chamness, Neil Chamness, Nicole (Zach) Havpert, Brandon (Alexis) Chamness, Brittany (Sammy) Kind, and Brooke (Ari) Chamness - and her 15 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immeasurable happiness. She cherished every photo, every phone call, and every visit. To her, family was the heartbeat of life.
Virginia's passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her life leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and strength that will continue to guide her family for generations to come. She will be remembered for her laughter that could lift any mood, her unwavering support, her delicious pizza, her quiet strength, and her boundless love for those she held dear.
Thank you, Mom, for your endless love, your laughter, and your light. You taught us what it means to live fully, to love deeply, and to face life with grace. Your spirit will forever be our guide.
Virginia is preceded in death by her beloved husband, William "Butch" Chamness; her parents, Fred and Donnabelle Wegner; her brother, Bob Wegner; and her cherished dog, Oy.
She is survived by her devoted sons, Brad (Kelly) Chamness and Brian (Julie) Chamness; her siblings Barb Friedman, Norma (Dick) Diaves, Connie Williams, Lisa Chamness; and sister-in-law Jan O'Neill. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as her 13 nieces and nephews, all of whom will forever carry her spirit in their hearts.
A visitation to honor Virginia's life will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Hwy., Osceola, IN 46561. A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, and a private burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
To share memories, photos, or messages of condolence with Virginia's family, please visit ChapelHillMemorial.com.
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