Virginia Mae Heacock

Our dear "Ginny" passed at 96, leaving her friends and family with many fond memories. Virginia was born in Galvin, WA to Stephen and Sarah Swantz and was raised on a farm near Chehalis, WA with brothers Alex and Steve. Their chores included tending chickens, milking cows, churning butter, and picking ferns. At age 16 she graduated from Chehalis High School and upon finishing a Seattle secretarial school began working at the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle prior to her marriage to Winston Heacock in 1942. She returned to work there when her husband was overseas and again while he was attending dental school. In 1952 the couple moved to Walla Walla where they embraced work, family and community life.

During their children's school years Virginia was active in P.T.A., Blue Birds, Camp Fire Girls, Scouts, Little League, and the YMCA swim club. She was a founding member of the Evergreen Garden Club and served on the YWCA board. The Heacocks were members of the First Presbyterian Church where Virginia worked on the rummage sale for many years. Virginia was also very physically active. She never missed the daily exercise show of Jack LaLane, TV's first exercise guru. She received many bowling awards and was an enthusiast of the YMCA's programs of volleyball, softball, and biking. She was a longtime member of the Country Club and had two holes-in-one. Virginia's cooking talents were showcased with her many pies and elaborate birthday cakes. She delighted in raising a prolific vegetable and flower garden each year with grapes distributed to neighbors and friends.

The family enjoyed many fishing and camping adventures throughout the US and Canada. After retirement, the couple traveled through Europe, Australia, New Zealand and were among the first tourists allowed into China. Virginia's talents in storytelling and her unique sense of humor entertained her friends throughout her lifetime. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by daughter Cathy Carkner, son Craig (Kristi) Heacock, grandchildren Nathan (Amy) Heacock, Chelsea (Michael) Greenberg, Brittany Heacock, great grandchild Noelle (Nathan, Amy) Heacock and numerous nieces and nephews.

Virginia is preceded in death by husband Winston Heacock, and brothers Metro Horoschak and Steve Swantz. She is survived by brother Alex Swantz, sister-in-laws Sally Swantz, Connie Heacock, and Winifred Heacock.

The family wishes to give special thanks to the staff of Odd Fellows West Care who nursed Virginia back to health in February and continued supporting her with excellent, loving care.

Virginia did not wish a public memorial service so a private family service will be held at her original Chehalis homestead.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Blue Mt. Action Council through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362