Virginia Lee Conway

Virginia Lee Conway, 98, a longtime Moses Lake resident, passed away Feb. 28, 2024, in Moses Lake at the age of 98. She was born July 5, 1925, in Spokane, Wash., to Joe and May Barnes, the second oldest of four children. 

She graduated from North Central High School. She met Lou Conway at a roller skating rink and after a short courtship, they married Dec. 20, 1943. The next day, Lou was shipped out and they were separated for 20 months until the war was over. 

After he returned, they started a family with the birth of Sandy, Sharon, Kenneth and Richard. Lou worked for the railroad and was transferred several times until they settled in Moses Lake. Virginia worked at Pure Grow as their bookkeeper.

After retirement, they joined a club and traveled throughout Washington and went on a cross-country trip. She and Lou spent many summers at Mountain River Trails in South Cle Elum where they had a small camper. They went to Thailand also.

After her husband died in 2009, Virginia lived on her own up until the last week of her life. She drove herself to the senior center three times a week for exercise and volunteering in the thrift store. She kept busy sorting things and keeping her home in great shape.

Virginia loved going anywhere anytime, especially for lunch at Taco Bell. 

Mom, you were full of love and always there for your family. You were a strong woman full of kindness and compassion. We are all grateful for the time we spent together, and you will be missed and cherished forever.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Lou Conway, sister Donna Valler, brother Joe Barnes, son Richard Conway, grandson Rodney Skotland and great-granddaughter Lindsi Skotland.

She is survived by her daughter Sandy Gansauge, daughter Sharon (Ron) Shade, son Kenneth (Marlene) Conway, and daughter-in-law Donna Conway and grandchildren Deborah Talbot, Jennifer McCord, Jeff Skotland, Kelley Skotland, Tonia Busherd, Trampus Conway, Summer Conway, and Craig Coleman, Dionne Creamer and David Paski, as well as numerous great and great-great-grandchildren.

Celebration of Life for Virginia Conway will be held May 11 at the Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m.

Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.