VIRGINIA MARIE WALTERS
Virginia M. Walters, age 96 years, lifelong Great Bend, Kansas resident, passed away on Sunday afternoon, October 30, 2016 at Country Place Living in Ellinwood, Kansas. Virginia was born at her grandparents’ house at what is now 10th and Jackson in Great Bend, Kansas on May 27, 1920 to Joseph Roy and Mary Louise “Louisa” (Whitacre) Evans. She grew up in a house on the southwest corner of 11th and Monroe Streets and in 1938 she graduated from Great Bend High School, where she had been Homecoming Queen. After graduation, she was selected to be Miss Great Bend and competed at the state final Miss Kansas contest in Topeka. She was united in marriage to Cleat Walters on January 29, 1939 in Great Bend, Kansas. Cleat shared her keen interest in history and they both were involved in many historical adventures.
Virginia worked at the Kansas State Job Service for 23 years prior to her retirement, working her way up the ranks to the title of Interviewer. Virginia and Cleat attended the First Southern Baptist Church in Great Bend, where they were members since 1978. They sang in choirs both there and at the First United Methodist Church in Great Bend. Virginia was a longtime member of the Barton County Historical Society and the Great Bend Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, and loved doing embroidery, but most especially would wish to be known for being a history buff.
Virginia is survived by one son, Donald (and his wife, Cynthia) Walters of Monterey, California; nine grandchildren: Reuben (RJ) Gutierrez, Lonnie Gutierrez, Lynn Isley, Cleat III (Trey) Walters, Van Walters, Alexia Walters, Derek Walters, Jillian Walters, and Zachary Hansarik; five great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Cleat Walters on March 6, 2004, one son Cleat Walters, Jr., two daughters: Diana M. Walters and Carol Ann Walters Vieyra, and two brothers: Joseph Roy Evans, Jr. and Dr. William R. Evans.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Virginia’s life will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at Charter Funerals in Great Bend, Kansas with Pastor Keith Bryant officiating. According to Virginia’s wishes, cremation has been chosen. Memorial donations may be made in care of the Barton County Historical Society. Online condolences may be left for the family and a complete obituary may be viewed at https://www.charterfunerals.com/locations/great-bend.php.
Arrangements Entrusted To
Charter Funerals
2115 Washington St.
Great Bend, KS 67530
(620) 793-6161