Virginia Ruth Sword

On a day filled with sunshine and the promise of spring, Virginia Ruth Sword was welcomed into the loving arms of her family and Lord. Virginia died Tuesday, March 14, 2006, at Kennewick, WA, in the company of her daughter and son.

Virginia was born December 7, 1933, in Jonesville, VA, to William and Maye Kelly. When she was young, her family settled in Milton-Freewater, OR, where she grew up, attended schools, and lived most of her adult life. She married Victor E. Sword, Jr. on October 28, 1951, in Walla Walla, WA. She worked in contract administration for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, until her retirement. She was a longtime member of the Walla Walla Baptist Church.

Virginia enjoyed steelhead fishing, needlework, reading, music, crossword puzzles, baseball, gardening and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Her loss will be felt by the many people whose lives she touched with her grace and love.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and her brother Lowell. Survivors include her daughter Vickie and husband Dan Kaufman; son Victor and wife Mary; granddaughter Heidi and husband Brian Zanotelli; grandsons Ryan Kaufman, Logan Kaufman and wife Amanda Divine, Aaron Sword and wife Lindsey, and Allen Sword. In addition Virginia is survived by her brothers Elmo and wife Isabelle; Wayne and wife Mary Jo; sister Gloria and husband Gene Vernon; sister-in-law Sharon Kelly, and many nephews and their families.

Graveside services celebrating the life of Virginia and her husband Victor will be held Saturday, March 18 at 10:00 at the Milton-Freewater Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund or the American Heart Association throughMunselleRhodes Funeral Home, 902 S. Main, Milton-Freewater, OR 97862.