Virginia Whitezel

With a spirit as vibrant as the gardens she tended, Virginia "Ginny" Mae Whitezel was a beacon of love, generosity, and ambition. Born in Spokane, Washington on January 23, 1936, Virginia was a woman of faith, a culinary artist, and a devoted matriarch whose legacy is as rich and nourishing as the meals she lovingly prepared for those she held dear. Her life was a testament to the scripture verse from Proverbs 31:25-26, "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

Virginia spent her years leaving an indelible mark on both the culinary scene and in the hearts of her community. She retired in 1990 after an accomplished career as a highly regarded chef. Yet, her passion for food and nurturing others continued to flourish beyond the kitchen. As a member of Christ's Church in Federal, where she and her late husband, Karl Whitezel, were married in September 1987, Virginia was an active participant in Bible studies, women's groups, and community outreach programs. Her spirited and generous nature often led her to take charge, a trait that while occasionally perceived as bossy, was only a testament to her deep-seated desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Virginia was as dedicated to her family as she was to her faith. She is survived by her loving children, Dorothy Jenkins, Neal Key Jr., Daniel Brundage and Lorilei Anderson, as well as Grand Children, Hans Anderson, Chad Brundage, Kyle Brundage, Kelly Anderson, Jordan Pearson, Morgan Key, Tristan Pearson and Jarod Key and Great grand children Ethan and Charlie Anderson, Jasiah and Alijah Anderson, Avery, Sawyer and Alder Brundage and Ellis and Oliver Pearson, and Scottie Pearson arriving in May, 2026.

Virginia found immense joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often sharing her love for gardening and her favorite Mariners games with them. She was preceded in death by her mother, Okla Hartz, and father, Steven Hartz, brother George Hartz, her husband Karl Whitezel and grandson Nicholas Anderson. Despite her loss, Virginia's memory will forever remain a cherished treasure, a testament to a life beautifully lived and generously shared.

The memorial service for Virginia Whitezel will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 1:00 pm PST at Weeks' Funeral Home, 451 Cemetery Road, Buckley, Washington, 98321. Followed by a Celebration of Life at Dorothy & Don Jenkins residence at 1446 Jefferson Ave, Buckley, WA 98321. As we gather to celebrate her life, we invite all who knew Virginia to share their memories and photos on the memorial page. Your stories and pictures will help us remember not just that Virginia was here, but that she lived fully, loved deeply, and left a lasting legacy of strength, faith, and warmth.