Virginia Simpson

Virginia D. Simpson, age 88, of California, passed away Friday, February 25, 2011, at Capital Region Medical Center, Jefferson City, surrounded by her family. She was born on February 22, 1923, in Oklahoma. She was united in marriage on May 6, 1943, in Fairmont, Okla., to Herbert T. Gragert, who preceded her in death. Virginia attended the University of Missouri, Kansas City. She was employed as a supervisor at Goodwill Industries in Kansas City. After moving to Jefferson City, she was a volunteer at the Goshorn Center as well as Easter Seals. Later while residing in Sioux City, Iowa, she did volunteer work for the Wall Street Mission. Following her husband Herbert's death in 1987, she moved to California to be near her children. On December 3, 1989, she married Nelson Simpson, who preceded her in death. Virginia served as an Ombudsman at California Care for several years. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and the St. Paul's Ladies Aid. For years, she also spent many hours each week reading Scripture to residents of the local nursing homes. Survivors include: one son, Thomas Gragert of Meta; two daughters, Sherry Walters of California and Julienne Smith of Grantville, Kan.; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A third daughter, Carolyn Gragert, preceded her in death. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Tuesday, March 1, at Weber Funeral Home, California, with Pastor Peter Kurowski officiating. Burial will be in the St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Radio Ministry of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 207 North Owens St., California, MO 65018. Arrangements are under the direction of Weber Funeral Home in California. weberfuneralhome.net