Virginia Lee Vantrease, 85, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend entered into the glory of God on Sunday, May 12, 2013. Virginia treasured her life, friends, church groups, and especially loved spending time with her family. She will be missed greatly by all those fortunate to have known her. Virginia was born in Jeffersonville, IN, on March 20, 1928 to L.S. and Beulah Branum Swisher. Virginia was married to W.H. Vantrease, Jr. on January 2, 1947. Left behind to eternally treasure her memories are her two daughters, Sharon Bruce of Austin, TX; Sandy Mleko and husband, David, of Edmond, OK; her granddaughter, Christy Petray of Austin, TX; her two sisters, Lena Biser and Linda Kirkpatrick of Dallas, TX; and brother, David Swisher of Jacksonville, FL.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, W.H. Vantrease Jr.; her parents; her brother, Dutch Swisher and her sisters: Betty Robbins, Beulah Burnett, Ruby Jane Starkey, and Mary Ellen Hoff.

A member of First Baptist Church in Malvern since 1947, she gave her time to many organizations in the church, especially the Girls Auxiliary. She was a member of Eastern Star, and worked with the Rainbow Girls both locally and state wide. Before her illness, Virginia enjoyed sewing, painting, and the Garden Club. Virginia and W.H. spent many years traveling in their Airstream across America. They also traveled to Europe, China, Panama, Alaska and Hawaii.

The legacy she leaves for all of us to emulate is her love for Jesus, family, and friends. She will forever be remembered for living life to the fullest, having a positive attitude, and being an inspiration. Once when asked by her granddaughter what she enjoyed doing most in her life, Virginia responded, "I loved being a Mom." Her spirit will continue to live in all of us.

Visitation is Friday, May 17th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at JA Funk Funeral Home in Malvern. Funeral Services will take place Saturday, May 18th, 2:00 pm at the JA Funk Funeral Home. A private family burial will take place at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Virginia's name to the Alzheimer's Association, Oklahoma & Arkansas Chapter, 2448 E. 81st Street, Suite 3000, Tulsa, OK. 74137-4250; or on line at www.alz.org. If this is not your preference, please consider visiting an Alzheimer's patient &/or sharing your time with a caregiver of an Alzheimer's patient.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.