Obituary of Virginia Kragel

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Virginia Kragel, resident of Tomslake, British Columbia, on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at the age of 99 years. 

Virginia Bell Kragel was born on April 12,1922 in Leavenworth, Kansas to parents Althea Helen Plank and Paul Albert Plank.  She grew up in several small towns in Colorado and New Mexico.

She married Wayne Hamilton and moved to Glendale, California in 1939.  She gave birth to three children during this marriage, Janice Newlands, William Hamilton, and Lorea Schaad.  Wayne was a World War Two casualty and the marriage ended in 1945.

She moved back with her parents in Monte Vista, Colorado and married Richard (Red) Hayes.  They adopted a girl, Lucy Ann Dyer.  Red was also a World War Two casualty and died very young.  During this time Virginia returned to school and got a teaching degree from Adams State College.

She married Robert Kragel and during this marriage they decided to move to Canada and in 1967 they moved to Tomslake, BC.  Virginia taught at the Tate Creek School until her retirement in 1987.  Robert had developed land in the Tomslake area and Virginia, who had always loved cows started raising them seriously.  Robert Kragel died in 1997.

Virginia married Tom Bennet in 2000 and he died in 2012.  Virginia continued raising cows until she was 96 and it became apparent that she could no longer take care of them.

Virginia died peacefully in her home surrounded by her two daughters and her pets.  After 99 years her body just gave up.  She has joined her mother, father, sister, brother, son and four husbands in heaven.  There she is pain free.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Virginia to a charity of your choice.

A Memorial Tea will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 2:00pm at the Tate Creek Community Centre.

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium