VIRGINIA PEARL STEIGERWALT SPORE, 90

Virginia Pearl Steigerwalt Spore, 90, passed away Saturday, March 10, 2018, at Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital.

Virginia was born September 14, 1927, in Ashland, to Maye and William W. Steigerwalt.

She graduated from Ashland High School in 1945, and was a licensed cosmetologist. Virginia worked at A & P Grocery Store and Dynamic Discount Drug Store. She was a dedicated AVON lady for many years.

Virginia is survived by her daughter, Paula (Ron) Schurman; her daughter, Dr. Diana Spore; her son, Philip (Cristina) Spore; her granddaughters, Kimberly (Allen) Anic, Jennifer (Vincent) Bugara; her grandson, Matthew (Kate) Schurman; three great-granddaughters, Payton Schurman, Vivian Bugara, Lydia Bugara; and two great-grandsons, Landon Bugara and Mason. She is survived by her brother, Howard (Kay) Steigerwalt; sister-in-law, Barbara Rush; brother-in-law, Chuck (Mary Ellen) Spore; and a loving extended family. Virginia is survived by her beloved Sheltie, Sandi, and by her son’s impish dog, Sylvia, who brought waves of laughter into her life.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, on February 24, 1998; by her sister, Thelma Welsh; and by her sister-in-law, Delores Steigerwalt.

Virginia had started to engage in the process of legacy writing, with assistance from her daughter, Diana, toward the end of her life. Virginia believed that one should make the most of every day, and celebrate the little things that brought joy and peace. She found strength through her faith. She valued and cherished relationships with family members and friends. She wanted to make a difference in the lives of others, and never realized that she had.

Virginia was a gentle soul, becoming bubbly and animated when she interacted with other people. People would hug her for no reason, share their life stories and challenges faced, knowing that she would never whisper a word to anyone else.

Virginia loved all of her pets who became children to her – Spotty, Thumper, Job, Buddy and Sandi. She was a compassionate, loving woman who was able to create special bonds with all kinds of dogs.

Virginia indicated that she had lived her life fully, found happiness to be in reach, was able to find a sense of peace, came to accept the inevitability of death, and envisioned an afterlife filled with beauty and light. Virginia emphasized that she would always be with family members, as long as they held cherished memories of togetherness in their hearts.

Virginia was an advocate for individuals with serious mental illnesses, and believed that mental health recovery was possible.

Funeral services will be held, Thursday, March 15, 2018 in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home at 7:00 p.m. with Envoy Ed McMillen officiating. Friends may call, Thursday, March 15, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will be on Friday in the Ashland Cemetery.

Please let her know in Heaven above that she is making a difference in the lives of dogs who have not yet been able to find homes. Please consider sending a donation to the Ashland County Dog Shelter, 1710 Garfield Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.

For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.

Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.