Virginia Torrey's Obituary
Mabel Virginia Torrey, of Unionville, MO, passed away at the Putnam County Care Center in Unionville, MO on June 4, 2025, after 106 years of a life filled with adventure, love, inspiration, and service to her family, church, and community.
Virginia, as she always preferred to be called, was a quiet, yet determined and independent woman who went after the things she wanted in life, always followed her personal values, fiercely supported the people she loved, cared for all people, deeply valued education (as an elementary school teacher from 1939 -1980), traveled extensively across the US throughout her life, and defied what most of us think we know about aging.
She took an active interest in the world around her, always reading, learning, cooking, entertaining, creating quilts and even learning to knit in her late 90's. She was never one for idle hands, but she liked to tease and have fun, too.
Virginia was born in Unionville, MO on June 9, 1918, the daughter of the late Grover and Edna (Probasco) Maulsby. She graduated from Unionville High School in 1935 at age 16, and started teaching at the Blackbird Rural School in 1939. She later went on to teach 3rd grade at Unionville Elementary School, and then first grade at William Jack Elementary School in Glendale, AZ, until retiring in 1979. During summers in the 1940's, Virginia attended the Kirksville Teachers College (now Truman State University), graduating in 1948.
On November 26, 1947, VIrginia married Jake Torrey of Powersville, MO. They were blessed with two children, Susan and Sam. In 1953 the Torrey family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where they raised their kids, enjoyed the heat and sunshine, and entertained family visitors who ventured out to the desert. Virginia returned to Unionville in 1981 after the passing of her husband, Jake, and her retirement from teaching.
Virginia is survived by both her children, Susan Berry of Arvada, CO and Sam and Joan (Savidge) Torrey of Alexandria, VA, and four grandchildren; Jennifer Barton of Greeley, CO, Jill Labinski of Arvada, CO, Sarah and husband Jon Nemecek of Denver, CO, and her grandson, Jake and wife Leah (Frederickson) Torrey of Durham, NC; as well as six great grandchildren; Casey, Marek, and Max Labinski, Sam Nemecek, and Virginia and Leif Torrey.
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son-in-law Don Berry and her siblings; Agnes Maulsby, Bob (Stella) Maulsby, Jack (Doris Jean) Maulsby, Richard (Wynona) Maulsby, Edwin (Bonnie) Maulsby, Jim (Marlene) Maulsby, Charley Maulsby and Lois Madeline Maulsby. She was also preceded by her brother and sister-in-laws and other extended family.
Throughout her life, Virginia followed a model of moderation, fitness, acceptance, and caring for those around her. The secret to her long, full, and healthy life? We'll never know for sure, but she walked or rode her stationary bike almost every day, practiced moderation in most things, loved her family and community deeply, and always left room for fun and acceptance in everything that came her way. She will be greatly missed by those who knew her.
A memorial service for Virginia will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 11:00 am at Thomas Funeral Home in Unionville with a visitation 1 hour prior. Virginia's family requests that any gifts or donations be made to Broadlawn Baptist Church of Unionville, MO, where Virginia was an active member.
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