Virginia Cress Vaughn Witte passed away at the Cherry County Hospital on November 1, 2025 at the age of 90. Virginia, better known as Ginny, was born to Victor Clair and Joy Stillwell Vaughn on June 30, 1935. Ginny married Gilbert J. Witte on July 19, 1952. They were blessed with four children, Vicky Cumbow, Duane Witte, Gordon Witte and Gina Keller. Gilbert and Ginny settled in the German Settlement. Ginny was a homemaker and helpmate to Gilbert on their ranching and farming operation.
Life in the early years was focused on church, family and community. Ginny was confirmed into the Lutheran Church in Crookston, NE shortly after she and Gilbert married. Her faith and the church played a significant roll in her life. She taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and was a member of the Ladies Aid. Friday night family nights with their church families playing cards, visiting with neighbors, and sharing good food - brought them close to their church community. Sunday afternoons were spent with friends, visiting, and more card playing.
After 20 years as a homemaker, a mom, and a wife she went to work at Pineview Nursing Home. She loved helping and caring for the elderly. She loved sharing the stories of their lives. After 10 years of working in the nursing home, she became a personal care giver for over 36 different elderly patients. After 24 years of dedicated service, she retired at age 74. She spent more time with her favorite pass times reading, working in her yard, attending auctions and garage sales, along with welcoming the grandkids and great grandkids into their home.
Ginny was preceded in death by her parents, Vic and Joy Vaughn; siblings Susan Schlueter, Erelene Bucklin, Franklin Vaughn, and Alva Vaughn; daughter Gina Keller; grandson Aiden Witte.
She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Gilbert; children, Vicky (Bill), Duane(Deb), Gordon(Cris); son in law, Richard; 13 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; siblings Woodrow and Wayne Vaughn.
A job well done good and faithful servant.
Funeral service for Virginia Witte was held Saturday, October 8, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., at the Zion Lutheran Church in Valentine. The burial followed at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine.
Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was entrusted with service arrangements.
