Virginia Gould

On March 23, 2006, the earth lost an angel and the lights in heaven became much brighter. Virginia Lee Gould passed from her loving family's hands into the eternal peace and serenity of God's arms. She was born on March 28, 1922 on a farm near Rogersville, MO. She and her sister Mildred were raised by their loving parents, Sherman and Flora Eddings. She attended Logan Rogersville High School and was crowned homecoming queen during her senior year. Virginia Lee next attended Missouri State Teachers College (now MSU) majoring in English and graduating with honors for her bachelor's degree. While visiting relatives in California, she met Jack Gould, the man who would be her best friend and companion for 61 plus years. They were married January 27, 1945 at St. Agnes here in Springfield. Jack and Virginia were blessed with six children. Their eldest son John tragically passed away in 1976. She is survived by her husband Jack, sister Mildred Schindler and husband Charles of Sacramento, CA, daughter Suzanne of Sacramento, CA, daughter-in-law Sue Lockridge of Lamar, MO, and Sons; Thomas of Rogersville, Patrick of Rogersville, Anthony and wife Mary Ann of Montgomery AL, and Matthew and wife Terry of Rogersville. Her 14 grandchildren include; Gretchen Dickey, Phillip Gould, Johnna Williams, John Lewis DeMott, Marcianne DeMott, Rebekah DeMott, Katherine Gould, Paul Gould, Jim Gould, Andrew Gould, Adam Gould, Maya Gould, Samantha Henderson, Angie Henderson, and 7 great grandchildren.

The first 20 years of her married life were spent at home nurturing her family with some of the best meals ever served in southwest MO. After all of her children started school she returned to her love of teaching. Virginia inspired many young minds during her 20-year career (1966-1986) as a 2nd grade teacher in Republic MO .

Virginia enjoyed and lived life to the fullest. She was happiest in the kitchen cooking for her family and friends. She will be fondly remembered as someone who loved to dance and how her eyes sparkled when sharing a good story or joke. Another of her great pleasures was searching for elusive bargains at stores or garage sales while making friends at the same time. She had a tireless devotion to God and her faith as a Catholic and also to the rights of unwanted children, serving for many years as a volunteer at Birthright.

Virginia will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Her warm and loving heart created an endless number of fond memories for all that knew and loved her. Her love, friendship, accomplishments and unselfish giving will live on in our hearts forever. We love you.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 27, 2006 in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Philip M. Binh Tran and Msgr. John Westhues concelebrants. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery under the care of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut.

Visitation will be from 1 � 3 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home with prayer services starting at 3 p.m.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Birthright, 305 E. Walnut, Springfield, MO 65806, or the American Cancer Society, 3322 S. Campbell, Suite R, Springfield, MO 65807. Online condolences can by made at www.hhlohmeyer.com.