Virginia Catherine McNeely's Obituary
Virginia Catherine McNeely 91, of Pittsburg, KS died 7:45am Wednesday May 6, 2026 at her home following an illness. Virginia was born September 21, 1934 in Pittsburg, KS the daughter of John and Audrey Vera (Coots) Smith. Virginia was a lifelong resident of the area and attended Spencer Elementary School and later Pittsburg High School. Virginia married Alva Elmer McNeely on June 9, 1951 in Crawford County, KS, and they had four children from that union. He preceded her in death on July 1, 2010. Virginia worked as an Office Manager for Interstate Exterminators in Pittsburg, KS for 21 years. Virginia was a member of Countryside Christian Church in Pittsburg, KS; was a member of the Old Time Fiddlers and Pickers Singers; enjoyed Polka Dancing, at Barto's Idle Hour; enjoyed square dancing, waltzing, and other various dances at many locations. She was known to be the Crock Pot Queen with people at the Senior Dances scrambling to be first to get whatever delicious food she brought. She always had Sunday dinners that looked like a buffet, including everyone’s favorite foods. Her food was the best because it was made with love, and anyone and everyone was always welcome. Survivors include her significant other Albert Cook of the home; children Judy Ann Vinardi and husband John L. of Arma, KS, Karen Elaine Wilkerson of Pittsburg, KS, Ginger Kathleen Owen of Frontenac, KS and Alva Ward McNeely of Wyandotte, OK; sister Delores Troglia and husband Anton of Franklin, KS; sister in law Darlene Pyle and husband Roger of Hayesville, KS; sister in law Thelma McNeely of Pittsburg, KS; grandchildren Melissa Rhuems, Cody Lee Rhuems, Heather Nicole Spear, Ashley Ricks, J.D. Vinardi, Buffy Lee Schlak, Christopher Michael Wilkerson, Jeffrey Allen Johnson, Jennifer Marie Jameson, Krista Janelle Sandy, Robin Lynn Hawkins, Kelli Renee Buckle, Kayla Dawn Greif, Jason McNeely, Tabitha Dawn McNeely and Jeremy Allen McNeely; many great-grandchildren and many great-great grandchildren. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, son-in-laws and daughter-in-law. Husband Alva Elmer McNeely, parents John and Audrey Smith, brothers John and George Smith, sister Patricia Davidson, a great-grandson Drew Stephen Johnson, beloved son-in-law Mike Owen, daughter-in-law Arlene Patterson (McNeely), son-in-law Ken Wilkerson. Graveside Services will be 11:00am Tuesday May 12, 2026 at the Crocker Cemetery in Pittsburg, KS with Pastor Daryl Gaddy officiating. Family will receive friends from 6-7:00pm Monday May 11, 2026 at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg, KS. In lieu of flowers the family asks expression of sympathy to be in the form of memorials to Harry Hynes Hospice. Friends may drop off or mail memorials to Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 522 S. Broadway Pittsburg, KS 66762. Condolences may be left at https://www.bathnaylor.com. Arrangements are by Bath-Naylor Funeral Home Pittsburg, KS.
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