Virginia L Welchman

Virginia L Welchman, 87 of Mount Ida, AR passed away May 13, 2025, in Hot Springs, AR with family by her side. Virginia was born August 1, 1937, in Oden, AR to Ira Lee and Faye Alice (Godbehere) Dunaway. Virginia is preceded in death by both her parents, husband Bob Zickwolf, brother Lloyd Dunaway, sisters Emma Shaw, Wanda Jean Henderson and Kathy Gossett.

Virginia Had many careers in her full life. She was a caterer of weddings and parties for over 50 years, starting out attending Wilton Cake Decorating School in Chicago in 1970. While still catering full-time, she attended Henderson College receiving a bachelor’s degree in education. She taught elementary school for serval years and at one point she owned a day care center in Little Rock. In her later career she made homemade jams and jellies for many years.

In her spare time, she knitted winter hats for children. Some years she made as many as 500 hats for the Mena Christmas parade and hundreds more for schools and children’s homes.

She was very loved and will be missed by everyone who ever knew her.

Virginia is survived by her son David Welchman, daughters Melanie Partridge, Amy Torres, grandson Joshua Torres, brother Larry Dunaway (Linda), brother-in-law Eugene Gossett, nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 15, 2025, 5 to 7 at Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida. Service Friday May 16, 2025, 10 am at Joplin United Methodist Church, 59 Mountain Harbor Rd in Mount Ida, AR. Bro. Dakota Barrett will officiate the service. Pallbearers Dakota Barrett, Tyler Gossett, Darren Dunaway, Derrick Dunaway, Robbie Sanders, Terry Henderson. Arrangement under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.