Virginia Louise Conklin

1929 - 2024

Virginia Louise (Sherwood) Conklin
Virginia Conklin passed away October 7, 2024 at the age of 95 and took her long awaited first step into eternity that Monday evening. She had been living at Stratford Pines Nursing Center since early 2022. Virginia was born on April 30, 1929 at her family's home on Haley St. in Midland, Michigan. She was the firstborn of William and Lillian Crall Sherwood. A lifelong resident of Midland, she graduated in 1947 from Midland High School. During Virginia's early high school years, the family of Alanson and Ruth Conklin moved in next door with their four children; the oldest a teen named Dale. That's when the story of their romance began. Dale and Virginia were married Valentine's Day in 1948 and had just celebrated 48 years of marriage when Dale passed away from cancer on October 6, 1996.
After high school, Virginia worked at Dow Chemical for several years but left in 1951 to start a family. In addition to managing a household of six, her life was filled with family and friends; holiday gatherings and summer picnics; card games and camping trips; canning and church socials. She was a member of the Gordonville United Methodist Church, served on several committees and was an active member of their Prayer Chain committee up until her last few years. She was a loving mother who provided a nurturing home for family and friends. To her grandchildren she was, to name a few, the maker of the best strawberry jam and applesauce; the always available Sorry, Uno, Checkers, and card game companion; sender of stickers galore; and the provider of tasty take-home snack bags.
Virginia was a very giving and caring person. She never missed a chance to express her appreciation. She took time to check in, pray for you and help you through life's challenges. And yes, she'd also worry about why you were not wearing a warm enough coat as well. Most of all, she tried to never miss the opportunity to show you God's love through her actions. As she aged, one gift that endured was sending notes, cards and greetings to people. If she had a kind word or thoughtful comment, she didn't hesitate to write it down and send it off to you. Many have her handwritten notes and cards tucked away as special memories.
Virginia is survived by her children and their spouses, Christopher (Carol) Conklin, Jerry (Kathleen "Kay") Conklin and Lori (Scot) Yesmunt; grandchildren, Kristine (Brad) Goward, Sarah Mayes, Scott Conklin, Julie (David Lichtman) Conklin, Ashley (Jeremy) Colby, Garrett (Sarah) Yesmunt and Elliot (Mary) Yesmunt; great-grandchildren, Dillon Goward, Megan Goward, Zoe Mayes and Benjamin Lichtman. She is also survived by her sister Shirley (Kenneth) Haggit, son-in-law Ronald Schlotter, brother-in-law Ray (Marcia) Conklin, sister-in-law Linda Conklin and beloved nieces and nephews as well as many special extended family members. Virginia leaves a host of long-term friends who brought much joy and meaning to her life. We wish we could name each of them, but they all know how special they were to her and so do we. Their visits with her at Stratford truly helped sustain her in those final years.
She was predeceased by her husband, Dale S. Conklin; daughter Janet M. Schlotter; father William L. Sherwood; mother Lillian M. Crall Sherwood Jacobs; great-grandson Tristan Goward; step-father Edward E. Jacobs; brother-in-law Wayne Conklin; and sister-in-law and her husband, Eileen and Kenneth Richard Jenkins.
In reflecting on her life, Virginia asked that her family and friends rejoice in her passing, leaving this message. "At 95, I've lived a long happy life. I was very blessed to be a part of your life and I hope you felt the same." To her family, she added "I loved you all very much," and teasingly added "and remember, I still love you more." It wouldn't be a note from Virginia if we didn't add another of her favorite tag lines "Enjoy what you can while you can!"
There will be a Celebration of Life visitation on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Venue 63, 1517 Bayliss St., Midland, MI 48640 from 1-4 PM. There is also an open invitation to join Virginia's family at the graveside burial to be held Friday, November 1, 2024, 3 PM, Midland Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions could be made to Ronald McDonald House Mid-Michigan, 121 S. Holmes St., Lansing, MI 48912 or online at: www.rmhmm.org/how-help/donate-online.
Thank you to the staff of Stratford Pines for providing a safe and caring environment for Virginia these past several years. Our family also thanks Ware Smith Woolever for the care they gave not only to our loved one, but for their compassionate treatment of us as well. Memories or condolences can be shared online by visiting www.wswfh.com