KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Virginia Lee Perkins, age 93, of Kansas City, Mo. and formerly of Riley, passed away Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019 at the New Mark Care Center in Kansas City.
She was born on Feb. 16, 1926 in Riley, the daughter of Walter and Edith (Culley) Baer. She graduated from Riley Rural High School.
On Dec. 27, 1953, she married Paul Jack Perkins in Riley. He preceded her in death in 2002. They were united in their compassion for others and complemented each other’s strengths.
Virginia worked in the Controller’s Office in purchasing at Kansas State University. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, and Rebekah Lodge. She helped start the Riley City Library and served on its board for many years. She was an avid reader and enjoyed playing the piano. She will be remembered for her compassion, wit, sense of humor, and empathy. She demonstrated it was possible to be quiet and opinionated; compassionate and self-focused; emotional and strong; intelligent and open-minded; wise and child-like; imperfect and unapologetic.
She is survived by two sons, Eugene Perkins and wife Myrna of Great Bend, Kan. and Craig Perkins and wife Mary Sue of Kearney, Mo.; one sister, Ruth Latham; three grandchildren, Shannon (Jon) Kinderknecht and Brandon (Marie) Perkins; Marjorie Perkins (Joshua Shope) and six great grandchildren, Caleb, Chloe, and Camden Kinderknecht and Paul, Tony, and Nick Perkins. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one infant son, David Perkins; and one sister, Carol Dettmer.
Funeral services were held on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019 at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home with Pastor Kevin Larson officiating. Pallbearers were Brandon Perkins, Jon Kinderknecht, Rick Bishop, Darrell Latham and Mike Shields. Burial was in the Riley Cemetery. A memorial has been established for the Riley City Library. Contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home
P.O. Box 176
Riley, KS 66531
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 26, 2019
