Virginia Goldbeck Obituary

GOLDBECK
Virginia (Jimmie) E. Rutledge Goldbeck
Our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Virginia (Jimmie) Elizabeth Rutledge Goldbeck passed into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on June 22nd, 2010 in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 87. She was preceded in death by her mother, Alva Jackson Rutledge, her father Clarence David Rutledge, her brother Robert Rutledge and her granddaughter Natalie Dufner. "Jimmie" is survived by the love of her life and her husband of 68 years, Edward Lyman Goldbeck Sr. and her sister, Betty Lou Long of Mullen, Nebraska. She is also survived by her children, Patte and Romie Dufner, Eddie and Sally Goldbeck, Jacque and Lee Christal from San Antonio and Chip and Debi Farris from Mesa, Arizona. She was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

H er life reads like a story from a romantic love novel. Ed and Virginia were high school sweethearts at Brackenridge High School at the tender age of 16, and spent the rest of their natural lives together until her passing. Virginia was a proud and enthusiastic member of the Brackenridge "Purple Jackets" pep squad which channeled her ever present smile and abundant positive energy. Ed asked for Virginia's hand in marriage and they became man and wife in 1941. Virginia shared her husband's remarkable eye for photography and opened her own studio portrait business in 1946. A few short years later Ed and Virginia founded E.L. Goldbeck Company where she devoted the next 40 years of her life helping to turn E.L. Goldbeck Company into one of the most successful panoramic photography companies in the nation. Virginia's exuberant love for life and limitless compassion were spent through her volunteer work in several associations and clubs. The Women's Garden Club of San Antonio, The Juvenile Diabetes Association and the Rainbow Girls all benefited from her impeccable family values and inherent desire to bring happiness to those she met as well as the hundreds of the silent beneficiaries which were recipients of her generous love and bountiful kindness.

Virginia will be memorialized at the Queen of Heaven Mortuary Chapel in Mesa, Arizona on July 10th, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. The families ask in lieu of flowers that if you wish, please make a donation in Virginia's memory to the Alzheimer's Association to help find a cure for this devastating disease.
Queen of Heaven Mortuary
1562 E. Baseline Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85204
480-892-3729

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Antonio Express-News on Jun. 27, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Virginia Goldbeck

8 Entries

July 18, 2010

I will always remember Virginia's constant smile.

Please accept our condolences.

Monta and Deborah Zengerle

John Richardson

July 10, 2010

My most heartfelt condolences go out to the Goldbeck and Dufner families and friends for the loss of their Dearest Virginia.

I grew up in the '50s and '60s with the Goldbecks at church and school and always felt welcome at their home on Hiawatha. It was kind of like the Cunninghams on "Happy Days".

I was immediately stunned and saddened as I happened just by chance on Virginia's obituary while doing a people search for the 50th Reunion of Highlands High School Class of 1960-61.

What a kind and generous heart was she and will remain in my memories forever.

Christina

July 9, 2010

Virginia has brought so much love and joy to me and my family for as long as I can remember. I have taken so much from the example she set, and she has absolutely influenced my views and feelings about the woman I want to be and the life I want to live.The world, and in particular, mine, is most certainly a better place as a result of her. She is, and will always remain, one of the greatest blessings I've had. She will be definately missed, but always, always remebered and loved. Christina

June 30, 2010

Dear Goldbeck Family,
Bryan and I are thinking of all of you. We have wonderful memories of times spent with all your family, Ed and Virginia at the helm.
Virginia was a great example of a life well lived. She embraced life with love and compassion and enfolded us all, family, friends and strangers within her wings. Our love and prayers, Bryan and Sarah Mayo

Cheryl (Neitzke Mason) Dwyer

June 28, 2010

As a former HHS classmate of Eddie (Jr.) and Brigade/Rainbow Girls' member with Patte, I remember you mom's lovely smile and bright personality. My mom (Grace Lucille Blesi Neitzke) also went to school with your folks and was in the Purple Jackets with your mom. Our prayers are with you both and your families. I know you'll keep your wonderful memories of her in your hearts and will celebrate her wonderful life.

Shannon Henderson Krueger

June 27, 2010

I went to school with Virginia's granddaughter, Bridgette. My thoughts are with you and your family. Your talents remain a legacy.

Mark and Molly Ulmer

June 27, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

June 27, 2010

We truly appreciate the many condolences of sympathy on the loss of my mother that we have received from our many friends. It is much appreciated. She touched many lives with her warmth and cheerfulness.
Patte and Romie Dufner & Family

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