Virginia L. Reitz

Virginia Lee Reitz, 91, died Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Via Christi Village in Manhattan, KS where she had been a patient since May 2024.

She was born May 3, 1934, in Severy, Kansas to Virgil and Elaine (Mansfield) Haas. She lived in Severy, KS before moving to Wamego, KS in 1944. Virginia then moved to Manhattan, KS to pursue her education at Kansas State University where she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority before earning a degree in Elementary Education in 1955. While attending Kansas State University, she met the love of her life, a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, Roger Parke Reitz.

In 1957, the well-known lovebirds were united in marriage. Roger was attending the University of Kansas Medical school (Kansas City, KS) while Virginia was a second-grade teacher in Overland Park, KS. Virginia prided herself by following in the footsteps of her father Virgil, who was an educator for many years. Roger and Virginia made the move back to their beloved Manhattan, KS where they put down roots to create their forever home. Virginia joined Northview Elementary as a second-grade teacher while Roger served as a Captain in the United States Army in Sinop, Turkey and Fort Riley Kansas as part of his ROTC tour. Virginia's time as a teacher was one of her greatest treasures.

Virginia's desire to become a mother was known from as far back as her childhood. She became a mother of five and felt this was her greatest accomplishment. While not able to birth her first four children, she gave the gift of family to not only the four oldest children but also to the unwed mothers at a di cult time in their lives, giving her unconditional, selfless love to each of them. In 1973, Roger and Virginia gave birth to their fifth child. She was so proud of all of her children and never missed an opportunity to share her admiration. Strangers on an elevator would leave knowing all of the glory Virginia's children provided.

Aside from being a homemaker, Virginia was a director of the Military Parish Visitors organization, a local realtor, and a substitute teacher for USD 383. Virginia's faith was the center of her life. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church where she served as a Stephens Minister. She was a member of PEO chapter DE and held various roles in Christian Women's Club. She was an avid supporter of her husband's work as local medical doctor, Mayor, State Legislator and Kansas Senator. She played the piano and organ for several local organizations as well as lead a girl scout troop and hosted countless childhood sleepovers at the Reitz household.

Virginia created a home where the door was always open. Love and acceptance were the foundation of her home. Her "Kitchen Psychology" served many that sat in her presence, where she would welcome all with a meal, snack, words of wisdom, silly story, or a sincere hug to let you know she treasured your visit. The Reitz home became known as a place full of hospitality and warmth where Virginia welcomed all with open arms. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ, cooking and entertaining, painting, reading her Bible and spending time with the people she loved and adored. Traveling and creating memories was a joy to her as long as she was surrounded by family. She always loved to take the girls shopping. The deal was "We never say what we spent, always what we saved!" Virginia managed to run a household, get her kids to all of their activities, host formal state and local events and still be a loving wife, friend, prayer warrior, and steward of Christ with grace.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents Virgil and Elaine Haas, and her brother Dr. Harry Haas.

Virginia is survived by her husband Dr. Roger Parke Reitz, her sister Patricia Ann Haas of Manhattan, KS, her sons Dr. Russell Lee Reitz and wife Mary of Wellsville, KS and Randall Clarke Reitz of Manhattan, KS; Her three daughters Jennie Marie Barton of Rockwall, TX, Sharon Ruth Elaine Reitz of Shawnee, KS and Laura Helen Parke Kaufman and husband Darin of Lenexa, KS. She is also survived by her eleven grandchildren: Alexander and his wife Stephanie, Lydia, Elaine and Asher Reitz, Elizabeth and Melissa Barton, Haley, and Van Hellings, Kade, Kristin and Cooper Kaufman and two great-grandchildren, Melvina and Paul Reitz.

Virginia will be greatly missed by all of her family and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.

The family will greet friends during a visitation on Friday September 12, 2025, from 6:30 until 8:00p.m. at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30a.m. Saturday September 13, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Manhattan. Interment will follow at the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.

The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with service arrangements.