Virginia Wertz Cooke

Surrounded by her sons, Virginia Wertz "Ginny" Cooke, 83, of Roanoke, Va., passed away Thursday, May 21, 2009. Born in Roanoke, Va., on September 24, 1925, daughter of the late Enos and Myrtle Wertz. She was known for her generosity, gift of compassion for friends and loved ones, and unconditional love for her family. In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her first husband, Kermit E. Hale; her second husband, Randolph F. Cooke; her sisters, Alma Lynch and Evelyn Caldwell; her brother, Melvin Wertz; and stepson, Randolph Cooke Jr. Survivors include her sons, Joseph P. "Joe" Hale II, and Kermit E. "Kit" Hale Jr. and wife, Betsy; her sister, Bebe Wertz; stepsons, Michael Cooke and wife, Mary, and Charles Cooke and wife, Teresa; and stepdaughter, Pamela Johnson. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Heather and Zachary Hale, Sam and Libby Hale, Samantha and John Cooke, Missy Bowe, and Judy Mitchell; numerous nieces and nephews; and other family members and friends.
She was a 1943 graduate of Jefferson High School, attended Grandin Court Baptist Church, and was a member of Theta Kappa Sorority. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, playing cards, and watching birds in her Southwest Roanoke backyard. A special thanks to Lewis Gale Hospital, its dedicated team of doctors and staff, the Intensive Care Unit, and especially the amazing nurses and caretakers of 5 East for their compassion and care.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, May 25, 2009, at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Mausoleum Chapel with the Rev. Kevin Meadows officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, 2009, at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, 540-982-2100.