Virginia Lee Hedges

The morning of March 23d, a few days shy of her 93d birthday, Virginia Lee Hedges was ushered gently by the strong wings of her Guardian Angel into the Presence of her Lord Jesus and those gone before. It was a journey she had well prepared for and though she is beyond the sight of our eyes, the memory of her virtue is eternal. Born March 26th, 1919 among the peaches and sweet corn of Olathe, Colorado to Oliver McIntire and Frances Meyer, in family she saw the icon of heaven. From her mother she learned that the sanctuary of home and simple meals prepared with love correspond to the holy. This insight she shared as gospel with all. Sunday school teacher, Cub Scout den mother, mentor to generations of young mothers… She multiplied what was given. She is survived by John Woodrow Hedges, her beloved husband who for 72 years was by her side except for service in harm’s way during World War II and Korea. Their faithfulness abided then and endures this separation also. In a mystery they still hold hands. From their love were born two sons, Jon-Stephen and Keith Robert. They survive to carry on with Melissa (Fr. Jon’s wife), granddaughter Sarah (with great grandsons Cole and Ethan) and grandson Ben (with his wife, Viktoria and great grandchildren Sydney, Noah and another on the way). Keith’s family includes Virginia’s granddaughters Vanessa (with her husband Seth and great grandchildren Payton and Thaddeus), Rachael, Megan and Emily and grandson Kevin (and his wife Gaga). Virginia is also survived by her sister, Joan and an earthly host of those whose sadness is bright shining with the sure and certain hope we share. Trisagion prayers will be sung at 7:30 Tuesday the 27th with viewing vigil to follow until the funeral Wednesday the 28th of March at 10:00 AM. All services will be at St. Athanasius Orthodox Church, 5580 Calle Real in Goleta. Graveside prayers and burial will be at Goleta Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made to the Building Fund at St. Athanasius Orthodox Church. Arrangements are made by Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels and comments or memories may be posted at www.wrhsb.com.

Virginia Lee Hedges

March 26, 1919 - March 23, 2012