Virginia E. Garey

Virginia Elizabeth (Julian) (Barstow) Garey, age 92, died Sunday, June 22, 2014, at Twilight Nursing Home in Corsicana, TX. She was born October 18, 1921, at home in Stanton County, KS, the daughter of George W. and Laura Lettie (McClure) Julian.

Virginia’s early years were spent on the family homestead 6 miles south of Big Bow, KS. She attended the Liberty country school. Her father passed away June 13, 1931. The family then moved to Johnson, KS where she finished school. After graduating from Business College in Dodge City, KS, Virginia returned to Johnson to work at the local AAA office.

She married Wayne Barstow on November 5, 1942 in Dodge City, KS. Throughout the next four years the couple moved around while Wayne was in the Army. They lived in Fort Knox, KY, Vine Grove, KY, Clarksville, TN and Lompoc, CA. During that time, Virginia worked as a civil service employee inspecting gas masks for the troops. She also worked for Beechcraft in Wichita, KS while Wayne was stationed overseas.

Following the end of World War II, Wayne and Virginia returned to Johnson where Wayne farmed with his father Charles Barstow and his brother Melvin Barstow. Virginia returned to work at the AAA office. They had two sons Neil and Greg. In 1954 the family moved to Colorado, where they owned ranches in Dillon and Eagle. The family relocated to a ranch in Isabel, SD in 1961. In 1962, following Wayne’s death, Virginia and the boys returned to Johnson. She found employment as the administrative secretary for Johnson High School. Thoroughly enjoying her work, she remained there for approximately 13 years.

Virginia retired in November of 1975 when she married Charles Garey. Charles and Virginia enjoyed traveling as well as spending time with friends and family, especially the grandchildren. They were active in the Bethel Church of the Nazarene, where Charles was a member.

Virginia enjoyed being active in the community. She was a member of Johnson United Methodist Church, UMW, Cosmos Club, and Hospital Auxiliary. She was one of the first residents to move into the new Memorial Living Center in Johnson. In 2010 she moved to Corsicana, TX where she resided until her death.

She is survived by; Neil and wife Belinda Barstow of Corsicana,TX and Greg and wife Charlotte Barstow of Kansas City, MO, grandchildren; Danna Swartz and husband Jim of Grapevine, TX, Erica Hodge and husband Brent of Corsicana, TX, Mandy Everitt and husband Rob of Fort Worth, TX, and Justin Barstow and wife Angela of Tonganoxie, KS. Great-grandchildren; Blaine Swartz, Dalton and Lila Hodge, Neil, Reese and Leo Everitt, and a host of extended family and friends.

Virginia was preceded in death by husbands, Wayne R. Barstow and Charles E. Garey, brother Milton Julian, half-brother Stanley Julian, half-sisters; Margaret Julian, Wavie Bean, Janie Bush and Wilma Brinzo.

The family extends special thanks to the caregivers at Twilight Home for the kind attention Virginia received while there, also the care she received by the staffs of Navarro Regional Hospital and Mercy Hospice.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2014 at the United Methodist Church in Johnson, KS with Rev. Richard Fitzgerald officiating. Burial will follow at the Stanton County Cemetery in Johnson, KS. Friends may call on Friday, June 27, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Garnand Funeral Home, Johnson, KS. Memorials may be given to the Johnson United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice, in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 715, Johnson, KS 67855.