Virginia V. Hufstader

      Virginia Virden Hufstader died on Sept. 19, 2007, at the John F. Keever Solace Center.

      Virginia was born in Mount Pleasant, Iowa on July 31, 1917 and was the daughter of Walter Virden and Charlotte Virden. Walter managed the Insurance Plan Savings and Loan and served on the corporate board; Charlotte managed the home.

      Virginia graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1935 and began studies at Iowa Wesleyan College. While at Wesleyan, she was a member and later president of Alpha Xi Delta sorority, served on the Pan-Hellenic Council, was member of Kappa Pi, was the president of the Ellen Richards Club and served as Homecoming Queen.

      At Iowa Wesleyan, Virginia met her future husband, Gaylord M. Hufstader, who was also a student at Wesleyan. After graduating from college, she taught in Iowa public schools for two years before marrying Gaylord, who was also a teacher. After teaching, the couple lived in several towns in Iowa managing three music stores. The family followed Gaylord's corporate work to Great Falls, Montana and then to Hickory, N.C. After a ten year absence from Hickory and residence in Jasper, Indiana, they returned to Hickory, N.C. While her husband was employed by corporations, she traveled with him to major cities in Europe and Asia. She and her family were charter members of St. Luke's Methodist Church in Hickory. Virginia was involved in numerous church activities. Virginia was also a life-long member of PEO. In later years, she enjoyed working for Habitat for Humanity. Following her husband's death, Virginia came to live in Asheville to be near her son and grandchildren.

      Virginia is survived by two sons: J. Robert Hufstader of Asheville, N.C. and Ronald Alan Hufstader of El Paso, Texas. Also surviving Virginia are three grandchildren: Trina Hufstader of Asheville, N.C., John Hufstader of Asheville, N.C. and Lindsey Erin Hufstader of Austin, Texas. In addition, she is survived by a nephew, Robert Hufstader of Middleburg, Florida.

      A graveside service will be held Monday, Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Hickory, N.C.

      Harwood Home for Funerals, 208 W. State St., Black Mountain is assisting the family. 828-669-2977.