Vesta Marie Budhu

1948 - 2022

Vesta Budhu was born on February 4, 1948, to Orland and Betty Kohl in Massillon, Ohio. Vesta grew up on a farm where her love for animals was born. She had three brothers who all passed away before the age of three.
She grew up an only child, turning to books to bring her to faraway lands. Her love of reading continued throughout her life, reading two to three books a week. Vesta married the love of her life, Virgil Budhu, who she met in college. She earned her Bachelor's degree from CSU Long Beach in Anthropology.
Virgil and Vesta raised three amazing children, Jacqueline, Jasmine, and Benjamin. She held many jobs throughout her life including working at the CIA, training as a flight attendant, working at a Hallmark store, a store manager of Mervyns, and finally a claims adjuster. Vesta loved being adventurous, always planning some new vacation to take with the family, including a trip across the country in a minivan, where she taught her kids all the words to the "Big Chill" soundtrack.
Anyone who knew Vesta would describe her as a good friend, a strong woman who spoke her mind, a liberal who absolutely hates Trump and Fox News, incredibly kind and generous, and someone who loved to laugh. She always dreamed of climbing to the summit of Mount Everest and visiting Machu Pichu. Vesta hiked the Grand Canyon, camped along the West Coast from Los Angeles to Washington, took a cross-country train ride, by herself, to visit every state in the continental U.S. She was able to get 10 baseball stadiums in 10 days on a trip with Virgil. She set out to attend a baseball game in every MLB stadium and almost completed, just shy by 6 stadiums. Had COVID not stood in her way, she would have completed her goal in 2021.
Vesta cared deeply for her family and friends. She always gave sound advice and she always rooted for love to conquer all. She was very proud of each of her children. She loved to brag about their successes and take credit for their brilliance and exceptional athletic abilities. Being at each of their weddings was a highlight in her life. Vesta taught her kids to purchase from the clearance rack, don't pass up a good dessert, always give to someone in need, and to take care of those around them.
Vesta is survived by her husband of 43 years, Virgil Budhu; her children, Victor, Jacqueline, Jasmine, and Benjamin; her son-in-law Steve and daughter-in-law Sheri, her seven grandchildren, Sophia, Rye, Izabella, Brooklyn, Eliza, Fidel, and Gabriel; and her faithful pup, Pepper.
Services will be held in late February or March. In lieu of flowers, Vesta wanted to start a legacy of helping others in need. Please donate to your local homeless services or senior care facilities. She would be honored if you gave to those in need.