Virginia R. Spillan

 

Virginia Ruth Spillan of Steubenville, OH passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family at 5:15 PM on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at the age of 92.

 

 Virginia was born on July 1, 1927 in Arcola, WV, the daughter of the late Okey and Katherine Louise (Mace) Armentrout. Other relatives preceding her in death are her older brother Vernon Armentrout and her younger sister Shirley (Armentrout) Farmer.

 

 An empowered woman for the time, she saved up her babysitting money in order to leave her hometown at the age of 18 and attend Morgantown Women’s Business College from which she later graduated before going on her next adventure to Steubenville, OH.

 

It was in Steubenville that she met the love of her life, George W. Spillan. The two married on October 21, 1948, and they enjoyed 59 years together before his passing in 2008.

 

 Not content with being a housewife, Virginia was employed at various places throughout her working years. At one job in the 1950s, she quit in order to take a stand against a male employee being paid more than her for doing the same work. At another, she saved the job of a woman being laid off. Compassionate and giving, Virginia also acted as caregiver to multiple members of her family. She made an impact on everyone who had her in their lives.

 

Virginia found joy in many things. She had a deep connection with nature and was happiest outside. She kept an impressive garden filled with roses, her favorite flower, and she was at peace sitting on her back porch listening to the birds sing and feeding chipmunks. She loved animals, especially her late dog Toto and her late cat Toby. When she was not in her backyard, she was on local adventures with her granddaughter or cooking in her kitchen while dancing and singing to music. She made the best meatloaf that no one has been able to replicate.

 

But most of all, Virginia loved her family. She leaves behind her devoted daughters Jo Grimm and Jean Alban, son-in-law Lee Alban, and beloved younger brother Robert “Bob” (Joan) Armentrout. Forever heartbroken by her passing is her granddaughter Jessie Grimm with whom she shared a special bond.

 

 Friends may call at Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, 215 Fernwood Rd., Wintersville on Saturday, January 18, 2020 from 10:30 a.m. until time of service at 12:30p.m. with Fr. Thomas Nau officiating.  Burial at a later date.

 

 The family would like to extend a special thanks to Trinity Medical Center West and Valley Hospice who helped Virginia make this transition in dignity and comfort.

 

 In lieu of flowers, please donate in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association or the local humane society.

 

 Virginia was a bit of magic in this world, and she will forever be loved and missed. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Virginia R. Spillan, please visit our floral store.