Local artist, Virginia M. Duffey, age 91, of Marion, passed peacefully at home on Friday, December 5, 2014.
On September 2, 1923, Virginia was born at home in Marion, Ohio, the oldest of four daughters of the late Glen and Mae (Miller) Mountz. She graduated from Marion Harding High School in the Class of 1942.
Shortly following graduation, Virginia married her high school sweetheart, Paul E. Duffey, on August 24, 1947, at the Trinity Baptist Church. Together they lovingly raised two sons and shared 37 wonderful years of marriage. He preceded her in death on May 2, 1985.
During school, Virginia worked at Stein’s Photo Studio, as a color artist, which she continued for five years after she married Paul.
Well known for her pastel portraits, Virginia has art work in the Oklahoma Art Gallery, and her work has been shown at the Ohio State Fair, Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival, the Art Market in Marion, and the Marion Popcorn Festival Art Show, where she won countless blue ribbons. She started by drawing faces as far back as grade school. She studied under Edith Keeler, Jean Wells of Delaware, and Daniel Greene of Glouster, Maine. She also taught adult art education at Marion Harding High School, at the Women’s Club Home, at Ohio State University, and later classes were held at Eber Baker school for many years.
Very active at the Women’s Club Home in Marion, Virginia served there in many capacities including holding the office of President from 1986-1988. In 2013, she was honored to have her art displayed there.
In addition to being an artist, Virginia was an excellent seamstress and cook.
Left to cherish her memory, are her son, Dennis Duffey of Marion; six grandchildren: Seth, PFC Zechariah, Kimberlee, James, Angie and Amber; 17 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Glenna Rodman of Delaware, and Rachel Chapman of Marion; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including her husband and parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her son, Eric Duffey; a sister, Jean Kibler; and three brothers-in-law: Charles Kibler, Charles Rodman, and Robert Chapman.
Her family will greet friends from 1 – 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 11th, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring her life will be held at 2 p.m., with Rev. Craig Lewis officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Delaware.
Memorial contributions may be made to Women’s Club Home, 1126 E. Center St., Marion, OH 43302.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Virginia’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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