passed away on August 21, 2011 at the age of 88. She was born March 2, 1923 and was raised on a farm in Currie, Minnesota with her ten siblings. She graduated from Tracy High School in 1941 and worked in a defense plant in California until her marriage to Loren Fetter on April 29, 1944. She and Loren were active in Tracy community groups until their move to Scottsdale, Arizona in 1963. Virginia retired from the Arizona Air National Guard in 1985. She is survived by three children, Jacqueline (Gary) Ruppert of Currie, Minnesota, Joey (William) Ridenour of Paradise Valley, Arizona and Steven (Sheree) Fetter of Gilbert, Arizona; sister, Betty Kass and brother, Donald LeClaire; 12 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.. She was preceded in death by her husband, Loren Fetter, her parents, Henry Alfred and Elizabeth LeClaire and brothers and sisters; Odell Myhro, Henry LeClaire, Lucretia Anderson, Dwaine LeClaire, Rosemarie Ruppert Hansen, Vernon LeClaire and James LeClaire. Memorial Mass will be held at 10am, Thursday, August 25th, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona Foundation/Arizona Cancer Center, 1515 N. Campbell Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85124.
Joey Ridenour
Am so grateful we had this wonderful mother with us for 88 years. She was so supportive and loving of all family and especially loved her 12 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. We have been blessed and know she is now at peace and not suffering. Please keep her and dad in your prayers. Jackie, Joey and Steve
Allen Ruppert
Grandma, you made me laugh with love and I always felt that we connected somehow. Connections are not always very easy to explain for the hows and whys, but I certainly know I felt it. May you rest in peace knowing that we all love you and will smile every time we think of you. God Bless you Grandma!
Anne McNamara
Joey and Family,
Your mom was an amazing woman! Full of energy and spunk. I am sorry for your loss and know that she will be missed terribly by many. You are a great example of an attentive daughter. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Anne
Judy and Marion Bontrager
Dear Joey & Bill, Jackie & Gary, Steve and Sheree,
We have been blessed to know both your mother and your dad and saddened with the loss of your mother. She certainly was a vibrant and delightful person who definitely made a lasting impression on us. It was always a pleasure to visit with her. I also frequently use her wonderful receipe for bar-b-q ribs and think of her as I prepare them. I also recall how beautiful your mother looked when we attended the banquet at the Biltmore in 2007, when Joey received her honor. Steve, I am sure you remember that special evening as well.
Joey, we are so grateful that you gave us the opportunity to be acquainted with your mother and dad. Both such special people.
You all are certainly in our thoughts and prayers as you experience such a significant loss.
Sincerely, Judy and Marion
Rev. Fred LeClaire
Aunt Virginia and her whole family will be remembered in my prayers. The healing power of God’s love will be with all of you. I know that her culinary talents are needed in heaven and she in now reunited the other members of her family who have gone before her. God’s blessings to all.