Former Rochester resident, Virginia Ruth Weidner, 92, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 8:10 p.m., Thursday, July 28, 2016, at Miller’s Merry Manor of Warsaw.

On June 12, 1924, Virginia was born in Fulton County to John Otto and Reathel Lucinda Ailer Alber. Growing up she shared her childhood with a sister, Wilma and brother Charles. With great pride she graduated from Talma High School in 1942.

As high school sweethearts, Virginia and George Weidner Jr. were married in Rochester Sept. 5, 1942. Together they shared over 30 years of life’s adventures. From their union came a daughter Cinda and a son Garry.  Tragically George passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on Aug. 8, 1973.

Earlier in her life Virginia was a member of the First Brethren Church in Tiosa. Most recently she attended the Riverview Church Community Church near Tippecanoe. For many years Virginia served as an operator with the Rochester Telephone Company.

Annually she and George planted a truck patch garden along with a huge strawberry patch. The bountiful harvest allowed Virginia to can and freeze the produce for winter use. To relax she enjoyed playing euchre with her family.  Her favorite eateries were Alejandra’s and Ugalde’s. Virginia also enjoyed visiting with friends and being a part of the activities at the senior center, where she  looked forward to playing Bingo.

Left to cherish Virginia’s memory are her daughter: Cinda Swihart and husband Robert, Tippecanoe; daughter-in-law: Joanna Weidner, Granger; four grandsons: Jeff Weidner and wife Kelly, Granger; Chris Weidner, Mishawaka; Dennis Plank and wife Tawna, Warsaw; Shane Swihart and wife April, Warsaw; 12 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Garry Weidner, sister, Wilma J. Outler and a brother, Charles L. Alber.

A celebration of the life of Virginia R. Weidner will be at noon Aug. 1 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St. Rochester with Pastor Rod Ruberg officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m.–noon on Monday in the funeral home. Interment will be in the Reichter Cemetery, north east of Rochester.

Memorials may be made to Riverview Community Church, 3780 State Road 110, Tippecanoe, IN 46570.