Virginia L. Bethel, 84

Poulsbo resident Virginia Lee Bethel died Jan. 9, 2005 in Poulsbo. She was 84.

Bethel was born to George and Mabel (Stark) Compton in Staunton, Ill. on May 31, 1920.

She married Robert V. Bethel on March 6, 1942.

Bethel graduated from high school. After World War II, she settled in Collinsville, Ill, where she raised her two sons,. She worked as a beautician for more than 30 years. In 1984, she moved to Poulsbo to be near her family due to husband’s failing health.

Bethel sang in high school in a quartet that won state honors. She was also a violinist, enjoyed being with friends and playing cards and learned to be an accomplished oil and ceramic painter. She was an avid “yard sailor” and cruised them frequently for treasures.

She was a member of the Olympian’s group at Christ Memorial Church in Poulsbo.

Bethel is survived by sons Dr. Robert V. (Jody) Bethel Jr. of Kingston and Michael (Lee) Bethel of Carlisle, Pa.; daughter-in-law Ellen Bethel of Poulsbo; sister Audrey Steinmeyer of Jennings, Mo. and Ruth Lowry of Staunton, Ill.; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert V. Bethel Sr. and her parents George and Mabel (Stark) Compton.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 15 in Staunton, Ill. and at 1 p.m. Jan. 22 in Munger Chapel at Christ Memorial Church in Poulsbo. Interment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton, Ill. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of The Stone Chapel at Cherry Grove and Williamson Mortuary in Staunton, Ill.

Memorial donations can be sent to Martha & Mary Health Services, P.O. Box 127, Poulsbo, WA 98370.

An online memorial can be viewed at www.lewischapel.com.