Virginia M. Wetzel

Virginia M. May Wetzel, 98, of Louisiana died Friday, April 12, 2019 at Maple Grove Lodge nursing home in Louisiana where she had been a resident since January 2010.
Graveside services were at 3 p.m., Sunday at Riverview Cemetery in Louisiana. The Rev. Pat Glenn officiated.
Virginia was born Sept. 1, 1920 in Kansas City to Clark Benton and Liska Haff May. Virginia was seven years old when her mother died and she came to Louisiana to live with her father’s sister, Cora V. May.
They lived in the two-story red brick house next to the Masonic Temple. Virginia attended grade school and graduated from high school in Louisiana. In high school, she was a member of the drum and bugle corps. She was a member of the First Baptist Church.
Virginia loved animals and the household always had a dog, cat, fish, even a chicken she named Henny Penny. Her favorite cat, Sam, went to live with her daughter, Charlotte, and always sent flowers on special occasions after she entered Maple Grove.
She married John E. Wetzel April 11, 1938. After her husband retired, they enjoyed spending their winters in Tampa, Fla., knowing they would be constantly invaded by family. In the summer evenings, they would go to the Louisiana Riverfront and, under the gazebo, spend time with friends watching the tow boats and the Mississippi River.
Virginia is survived by her daughter, Charlotte Wood and husband, John of Louisiana; a son, John Wetzel and wife. Annice, Columbia; grandchildren, Virginia Lynn Wood, Lebanon, Ill., John M. Wood, Jefferson City; Eric Wetzel and wife, Tammy; and great-granddaughters, Erica and Alicia Wetzel, White House, Tenn.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 69 years, John E. Wetzel; and her beloved aunt, Cora V. May.
Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice Care of Wentzville, Shriners Children’s Hospital, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana was in charge of arrangements.