Obituary of Virginia May Brownell

Virginia May Brownell (85) resident of St. Maries, died October 10, 2015 at her daughter’s home on Flat Creek, near St. Maries while under Hospice care. She was born March 10, 1930 to Lawrence and Verna (Lump) Fetter at Edon, OH. She grew up in Toledo, OH. She was orphaned when she was 3 years old and she and her siblings were raised in an orphanage. Virginia attended schools in Toledo and left when she was 17 years old to go live with her sister in Toledo. She worked as an elevator operator and nanny. Virginia married John Birr Sr. in 1950 at Toledo and the lived there before moving to Pullman, WA two years later. Virginia was a homemaker and began raising her family. Virginia was divorced in 1962. She moved her children to Spokane, WA where she met Bill Brownell. They were married in June of 1963. Virginia moved to Colfax, WA in 1965 where she continued to raise her family. She moved to St. Maries in 2008 and lived her before moving to Harrison, ID in 2011. In June of this year, she and her husband returned to live with her daughter Debbie at her Flat Creek residence. Virginia enjoyed fishing and camping. She and Bill love dancing and one of their favorite style to dance to was the “Jitterbug”. She was a former member of both the Colfax Elk’s and Eagles lodges. Virginia is survived by her husband Bill of St. Maries. Her son John Birr Jr. and companion Becky Novak, and son Tim Birr and companion Charlotte Reeves all of Colfax, WA. Her step-son Dan Brownell of Coeur d’ Alene, ID. Also surviving are her daughters and sons-in-law Debbie and LeRoy Hall of St. Maries, Jeanette and Donald Britton of Harrison and Debbie and Tom Tinpinger of Coeur d’ Alene, ID She is also survived by her sister JoAnn Morris of Toledo, OH, 7 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 1 great greatgrandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. Virginia was preceded in death by brothers Richard, Norman and William Fetter. At her request, no services are planned at this time. Visit her online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.hodgefuneralhome.com