Virginia L. (Thieme) Ness, 99, of Baxter Springs died Monday, January 3, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. at her home. She was born on August 14, 1922, in Chicago, Illinois. She graduation from the Baxter Springs High School with the class of 1940. She attended Baker University in Baldwin. April 28, 2016, she was awarded a Bachelor of Science from Baker. She was employed with Consolidated Supply, in Picher, Oklahoma; St. Louis Smelting and Refining Company, in Baxter Springs; and Spencer Chemical Company (Jayhawk Plant), in Riverton serving in the capacity of executive secretary.
Virginia and Edmund V. Ness, of Neosho Mo. were united in marriage March 20, 1949 at Baxter Springs. He preceded her in death March 7, 1976.
Virginia served as United Methodist Church secretary, Associate Editor of the Baxter Springs Citizen, and was co-owner of Baxter Springs Fixtures Company with her husband at the time of his death. She retired from the position of Marketing Officer of the American National Bank June 30, 1987.
Virginia had served as a member of the Johnston Public Library Board of Directors for 10 years; was a volunteer worker for the Red Cross Bloodmobile; and a docent at the Baxter Springs Historical Museum. She was constant league bowler and trophy winner for over 25 years.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly issued a proclamation declaring August 14, 2021 Virginia Ness day in honor of her 99th birthday. Virginia is survived by daughters, Christine Anne
Virginia is survived by daughters, Christine Anne Hartley (Ross Hartley) of Baxter Springs and Teton Village, Wyoming and Melissa L. Ness (Larry Milhon), of Topeka; and son, Mark Whitmore Ness, of Boston, Mass. Four grandchildren Hillary Hartley (Anna Hartley) of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Antonia Hartley (Sara Bacon) of Carrboro, North Carolina, Will Hartley, Santa Monica, California; Allison Ness Smart (Cole Smart); and five great grandchildren; Wyatt Hartley, Jackson Hartley, Claire Smart, Emily Smart, and Opal Bacon also survive.
Virginia was preceded in death by her mother, Olive V. Thieme, her brother Bernard J. Thieme and her sister Diane Martin.
The family will have a private graveside service with a Celebration of Life at another time.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Johnston Public Library and the Baxter Springs Historical Society. Graveside services were held Thursday, January 6 at
Graveside services were held Thursday, January 6 at Baxter Springs Cemetery.