MAYVILLE - Virginia Ruth Wappat, 83, formerly of South Erie Street, Mayville, died Thursday, September 26 at Lutheran Social Services in Jamestown. For over 62 years Virginia made her home in Mayville where she was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. Besides her full time job as a homemaker, she also worked outside the home and retired from Falconer Metal Specialties in 1990. She was known for her hospitality as her home was always open for those who needed a place to be comforted and loved. She was also known for her beautiful smile and contagious laugh. She appreciated a good sense of humor which she knew could dispel many of life's difficulties. Additionally, those who knew Ginny knew she was always for the underdog, encouraging those in need. She was loved deeply by her family and the staff at Lutheran Social Services who helped care for her the past four years.
Born in Westfield, NY on February 18, 1930, she was the third of four children of Harvey and Florence (Cleary) Eggleston. She married Robert D. Wappat in 1947 and moved to Mayville to start their family of eight children. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1991, sisters Viola Franklin in 2005 and Dorothy Connor Martin in 2004, her brother Arthur Eggleston in 1985 and her sons Thomas in 1976 and Robert in 2009.
She is survived by her family: three sons Bradley (Mindi) Wappat, Steaven (Laurie) Wappat, and Richard Wappat; and three daughters Carolynn Erickson, Susanne Rollman and Kathleen (Nathan) Zwald, and 17 grandchildren: Thomas (Megan) Wappat, Carri (Nathan) Burns, Timothy Wappat; Kipling Erickson; Erika (Justin) Walling, Douglas, Jessica and Robert Wappat; Katie (Jon) Zimmer, Joseph (Rachel) Rollman; Faith Wappat; Jenavin, Braydyn, Corinne and Virginia Wappat; Emily and Lillie Zwald; as well as 11 great-grandchildren: Piper, Cole and Oscar Burns; Liam and Emmitt Zimmer, Kieran, Tali and Gunner Walling; Natalie, Cortland and Livianna Wappat.
Friends will be received one hour prior to the 2 p.m. service Monday at Freay Funeral Home in Mayville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bridges program at Lutheran Social Services at 715 Falconer Street in Jamestown.
To leave a remembrance of Virginia go to www.freayfuneralhome.com.