Virginia McKay

Virginia (Ginny) Carol McKay, 94, Fargo, ND died somewhat unexpectantly on Thursday, June 26, at home in Fargo.

Virginia was born December 31, 1930, daughter of Olaf and Borghild Stromme. She lived in Cooperstown where she graduated from Cooperstown High School in 1948. In High School she was an excellent student, played basketball and ran track, and worked as a lifeguard. She developed many lasting friendships. After high school Virginia attended Mayville State College for two years.

On December 14, 1952, she married Wallace McKay in Cooperstown, ND. They moved to Williston in 1955, and in 1968 they moved to Fargo. They enjoyed traveling across the western parts of the United States with many trips to Colorado and California. They also enjoyed many trips with friends to Minneapolis. Ginny enjoyed playing Bridge and Farkle with friends. She was a very accomplished bowler earning many “600” series awards. Ginny stayed active playing solitaire and completing many crossword puzzles which she continued to do up until she passed away.

Ginny was busy in the 1960s and 1970s being the mom of two outdoor-driven boys. She spent much time chauffeuring the neighborhood kids to school and practice. Ginny greatly enjoyed being a grandma and actively played cars, animals, and house on the floor with each of her young grandchildren.

Ginny was active at Messiah Lutheran church. Early on she sang in the church choir. Later in life she became responsible for helping to find people to provide cakes, cookies, and bars for church funerals. She remained the treasurer of WELCA up until her death.

Ginny became a widow at the age of 65 and lived alone for the next 29 years. She stayed busy visiting her sisters in warmer states, visiting her two sons’ families, and spending time with neighbors, relatives, close friends and classmates from Cooperstown.

Ginny had an uncanny ability to remember the names of all her relatives and most any person she met. She would also vividly remember their birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestone dates and was faithful in sending cards to family and friends.

In her final years Ginny became homebound but remained absolutely determined to stay in her home of 57 years. She had a positive attitude as she battled arthritis and other ailments that greatly limited her mobility in her 90s. We would like to thank her friends and neighbors, especially Bob, Bev, Linda, and Laurie who all helped her greatly in keeping her company, picking up groceries, driving her to appointments, and with many little tasks around her home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wally and son, Kent.

She is survived by one son, Kevin (Sandy); daughter-in-law, Lori McKay; eight grandchildren, Kyle, Julia, Aaron, Megan (McKay) Oplund, Marisa (McKay) Burke, Rylan, Devin and John Sundsbak; and many great grandchildren.

Visitation will be on August 11 at 10:00 AM with the funeral at 11:00 AM and lunch to follow all at Messiah Lutheran Church. The burial will be at 1:30 at Riverside Cemetery.

Memorials preferred to the Arthritis Foundation, Messiah Lutheran Church or Valley Senior Services (Fargo Meals on Wheels).