Virgie Kathrine Deckard, a longtime resident and humble servant to the Wood River Valley, passed away Dec. 18, 2009, in Dennison, Texas.
She was born to Herman and Lector Ard on April 5, 1926, in Rush Springs, Okla. Because of the historic dust storms they moved to Pooleville, Texas, in 1933. Virgie married Oral Wesley Deckard in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Aug. 25, 1943. The two moved to Boise, Idaho, where she worked at Armour. In 1946 they moved to the Wood River Valley where Virgie became employed at The Tub laundromat in Ketchum. There she worked more than 40 years.
Virgie made her lifetime happiness cleaning laundry for those who needed it and carrying friendly conversation with those who entered the door.
Another great pleasure of Virgie's was gardening. Evenings and weekends she toiled to bring delicious veggies to the dinner table. She was always cooking and baking, sharing her wonderful jellies and jams with her loved ones.
Making people happy was her greatest gift. She was always helping people less fortunate than herself. Just a beautiful Virgie smile was plenty for most of us. We will all miss her dearly.
Virgie is survived by her brother, Sonny, of Weatherford, Texas; her sons Hershel of Boise, Danny of Dennison, Texas, and John of McComb, Ill.; and her daughters Linda Holton of Jerome, Idaho, and Janet Malarkey of Bellevue, Idaho. She was blessed with 28 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Virgie was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Lector; her brothers Arlin Jr. and G.W.; her sister, Maxine, and her son Robert Wayne Deckard.
A potluck memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 9, from 1-3 p.m. at the Blaine County Senior Center, 721 Third Ave. S. in Hailey, Idaho. Donations will be gratefully accepted at the service for funeral expenses or at Wells Fargo Bank under Danny Deckard.
