Virginia Lee (Bennington) Gillaspie

Virginia L. Gillaspie, 86, of Grinnell passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell. No services are scheduled at this time. Inurnment will be held at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell at a later date.  Memorials in Virginia's name (checks made payable to Patty Meeker) may be left at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory or mailed to Patty Meeker, 945 Saint Francis Drive, Grinnell, IA 50112.

Virginia the daughter of Elmo Vance and Margaret (Poots) Bennington, was born on March 10, 1936 in Grinnell. For almost all of her life she lived in Grinnell with a short period of time spent in Newton. Virginia was married to Richard Wall and later to Larry Gillaspie on April 18, 1980 in Grinnell. She had worked at the Vernon Company, Grinnell State Bank, Grinnell Federal Savings and Loan, and the Grinnell High School.  Her love for numbers and bookkeeping led her to many of her banking positions that she had through the years. 

Virginia had a heart of gold and would give you the shirt off of her back if she knew someone in need. She loved animals, especially her dogs and the many varieties of cats she acquired through the years, many of which she rescued from the streets. Virginia loved spending time with her family.  Through her work ethic, she was always determined to provide more for her family than she had growing up.  Virginia loved to decorate and keep her home immaculate. She had great style and taste. 

Virginia is survived by her husband, Larry Gillaspie; daughter, Patty Meeker; three step-children, Mike, Mark, and Matt Gillaspie; her grandson, Jeremey (Jenny) Meeker; eight step-grandchildren; great-grandchildren, Mason and Kaden Meeker; and one step-great-grandchild.  She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Max Bennington; and son-in-law, Doug Meeker. 

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