Virginia "Ginny" Dozier Venable's Obituary
Ginny Venable, 91, of Lakewood, Washington, died peacefully at her home on March 5, 2014. Ginny is survived by her son Brian, her daughter Linda, Linda’s husband Rich Spivey, their sons Matthew and Benjamin, Matthew’s wife Jessica and their son Noah, and Benjamin’s wife Theresa. Ginny’s family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to those who provided gentle and compassionate care to her during her final days.
Many people knew and loved Ginny. She had an amazing life that began with her birth in Chicago, Illinois, April 27, 1922. With the untimely death of her father, George Dozier, when she was only 5, she moved with her mother Delia and younger brother George to Texas, where she grew up. Life was not the easiest for her growing up during the Depression, but being the wonderfully self-determined person she was, she made life a true adventure. To help support her mother and brother, growing up she picked cotton, plucked turkeys, and was a waitress. During World War II, she worked as a “Rosey the Riveter.” She met and married Benton Venable, a young Air Force pilot, in 1946, in Houston, Texas. They were married until Ben’s death on January 11, 2006. While living their life together in the military, Ginny developed her own professional career in dental assisting. She worked in oral surgery at Madigan Hospital and then, after being contacted by Clover Park Vocational School, started their Certified Dental Assistant Program. Ginny taught Dental Assisting for 15 years.
Ginny served on the initial Planning Board for the city of Lakewood, when it was going to become separated from the city of Tacoma. And, she was a member of the Board of Directors for Patriots Landing from its inception.
Her life in the military took her many places, including living in Japan and Germany, and provided very special memories for her. Whenever she was not working full time, Ginny was a Red Cross Volunteer in military hospitals from 1950 until 2012. Many soldiers, patients, doctors, nurses and other professionals and volunteers at Madigan Hospital received warm smiles and hugs from Ginny while she worked at the Information Booth wearing her special, highly decorated, red Volunteer vest.
She was a devoted member of the retired military ladies group, AROWS. And, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Ginny’s name may be made to the charitable organization that AROWS supported: Fisher House, JBLM Fisher House, Attn: Manager, 9999 Wilson Ave., Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98433 (253-964-9283).
Ginny dearly loved her family, and she loved the military life, Elvis, Texas, frogs (and her other cute collectibles), country music, and dancing. Her family and friends will miss her dearly.
What’s your fondest memory of Virginia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Virginia?
Share a story where Virginia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Virginia you’ll never forget.
How did Virginia make you smile?
