Virginia Ruth Evans Chase's Obituary
Virginia Ruth Evans Chase, age 86, of Fayetteville, passed away Friday, December 23, 2022. She was born April 8, 1936, in Prairie Grove, Arkansas to Arthur and Thelma Estep Evans. She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Denice Miliotti
Virginia's life began in the small town of Cove Creek during the Great Depression when times were rough. She referred to her parents as “the best parents anybody could ever have”. They taught her how to work hard and honorably. Virginia applied those teachings to many jobs throughout her life including factory work at International Harvester to owning her own gas station, where she employed many hard-working women. At that time, gas stations were not self-serve as they are now, the attendants pumped all the gas, checked the oil, and cleaned windows. It didn't matter if it was
-20°, they were out there making sure that everyone was taken care of.
Virginia was a woman of many talents; she was a member of the United Federation of Doll Clubs Incorporated for over 37 years. During that time, she served in positions such as President and Vice President and was the representative of the Northwest District as Regional Director 7. Her Priceless dolls won awards from many states whether competing at a country fair, or the highest organization of doll making. She traveled to many conventions throughout the states and always sat with the most honorable of doll makers. Virginia's home is that of a museum of dolls. Some date back to when dolls were being made on wagon trains using the elements of the land to create best friends for many young girls as they traveled the historical trails of our country. Her doll-making was close to perfection, mostly due to the love she poured into each doll during their creation; it clearly showed her pride in her workmanship.
Virginia was not just our mother; she became everyone's Mom. A true gift to all children whether they were cousins, nieces, or nephews, she always made sure our friends felt welcomed in our home. To this day many still call and visit, we know many will be saddened by the loss of such a kind soul. People always knew they could come to her and get wise advice. Mother had one of her biggest losses when she lost her daughter Denice, from which she never fully recovered. She would later lose her two best friends and with them a part of her heart, her two little Maltese Missy and Sir Chee-toes. The loss truly broke her spirit. If you were to ask Virginia about her biggest accomplishments in life, the answer would be a very proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. As well as the relationships she had with her nieces and nephews, she loved us all and felt very blessed. She always said it was proof to others that it was her proof to others that she really did live here on this Earth.
Virginia was very courageous in her fight against cancer. She never once complained about the pain and discomfort she was suffering with. She passed peacefully with her family at her side loving her and knowing she was at peace with her Lord.
Thank you to the staff at Willard Walker Hospice Center, you are truly angels walking upon this Earth.
Virginia is survived by her daughter, Debbie Hicks of Pocatello, Idaho; two sons, Dennis Harrelson (Aurora) of New York City, New York and Michael Chase of Prairie Grove, Arkansas; six grandchildren, Brian Hicks, Larry Gardner, DeNae Jones, Amanda Chase, Samantha Chase, and Jake Chase; nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
So mom here's to your talent of "Just Piddling" in heaven. And if the "good lords willing, and the creek don't rise" we will all see you on the other side.
Visitation will be 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at Moore’s Chapel. Funeral service will be 1:00 pm Thursday at Moore’s Chapel with burial to follow in Fall Creek Cemetery near Strickler, Arkansas.
*A live stream link will be added closer to the time of service, to view the service virtually if you are unable to attend.
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