Virginia Lathrop

Virginia Anne Lathrop December 1, 1921-December 6, 2017 Virginia passed away peacefully in her pink house early Tuesday morning, December 6, 2017 at the age of 96; a nice long life followed by a brief bout with old age. Virginia Ann Lathrop was born on December 1, 1921 to Clyde and Bertha Byron in Wichita Falls, Texas. Since Clyde worked in oilfield supply, the family moved often. When Virginia was 11 months old they moved to Oklahoma and then Rawlins, Wyoming where Virginia attended elementary school. They then moved to Casper where she attended high school and graduated from NCHS in 1939. Virginia attended college in Cheney, Washington as a Freshman and then returned to Casper and married the love of her life, Homer Riale Lathrop, Jr. on Valentine's Day, 1941. The newlyweds moved to Homer's cattle ranch on the East side of Casper where she had five children. Virginia's first house on the ranch was a log cabin with no water, power or gas. Homer promised her running water before the first child was born. He got it done in time but the water promptly froze up the next day. As a young wife and city girl, Virginia experienced great challenges, and some tears, in learning to cook for 12 ranch hands on a wood stove! Homer built her the new, beloved pink house in time for the arrival of her fifth child! In addition to being a committed homemaker and mother, Virginia found time to study Russian, join an investment club, take numerous art classes and enjoy drawing and painting. She was active in Prairie Prowlers, the Cowbelles, the Republican Party, and was publicity chairman for the Farm Bureau. She was on the Blue Envelope Health Fund Board for decades and helped create the Casper Rheumatic Fever and Throat Swab program. Virginia was also a Little League and 4-H mom, and worked full time in the family farm equipment business. Known for her sense of humor, (sometimes outrageous), Virginia enjoyed the company of many close friends. In later years, with her husband Homer, she travelled to many exciting spots throughout the world. Many of her friends enjoyed her great rum cake or chocolate fudge at Christmas. Virginia is survived by her Sister Shirley Meenan of Casper, Homer Ill's widow, Sandra (Hansen) Lathrop, Chicago; sons Gary Lathrop and Peri Kay(Wilson) of Casper, Kent Lathrop and Valerie(Chadwick),of Casper, Steve Lathrop and Barbara (Bowden) of High Point, NC; daughter Renee and Bill Joy, Buffalo, Wyoming; as well as 15 grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Homer Jr, her son, Homer Ill, and her brother Clark. Services will be held for Virginia at 2pm on Wednesday December 13, 2017 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 701 South Wolcott, Casper, Wyoming 82601. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Blue Envelope Health Fund, Central Wyoming Hospice, or St. Mark's Episcopal Church. .

Service

Wednesday, December 13, 2017 2:00pm

St. Mark's Episcopal Church

7th and Wolcott

Casper, Wyoming 82601