Virginia L. Wanklyn

Virginia L. Wanklyn, 90, of Frankfort, KS, passed away February 23, 2013 at Blue Valley Senior Living in Blue Rapids, KS. Visitation was Tuesday, February 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Padden Funeral Chapel in Frankfort. A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 27 at the First Presbyterian Church in Frankfort. Pastor Marilyn Sweet officiated. The musicians were Skip & Sally McMillen. Music included "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" and "Precious Lord Take My Hand." The pallbearers were Tim Heffel, J.V. Heffel, Jason Frisbie, Tim Wanklyn, Travis Colvin, David Frisbie, Shannon Colvin and Morgan Wanklyn. Burial was in the Beattie Union Cemetery, Beattie, KS. Virginia was born November 18, 1922, at Russell, KS, daughter of Victor and Alma (Michaelis) Heffel. She graduated from Russell High School and lived most of her adult life on a farm near Frankfort. Immediately after graduation she left for Los Angeles, CA. She worked for a downtown bank and greatly enjoyed her work. While in California she met her husband, Harold, who was also from Kansas. They married and lived in Beverly Hills and spoke often of their good times there. They enjoyed dancing to some of the most famous big bands of the time. They also lived in Pensacola, Florida during her husband’s years in the Navy. Virginia was a superb cook and baker and shared the products of her skills with neighbors and family. She spent many hours in the kitchen preparing and serving wonderful dishes. She derived much joy trying new recipes and preparing family favorites. She was known throughout the community for her generosity in sharing her baked goods with others during celebrations and in times of need. She was involved in 4-H and taught cooking classes. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed tending to her large vegetable gardens. She spent many hours canning and freezing produce from her large gardens and orchard. She was an excellent seamstress. She sewed clothing for her three daughters and even made one daughter a meticulously sewn wedding gown. She also enjoyed needle point, tatting, and quilting. She was a member of PEO and a longtime member of Eastern Star. She was an active member of the Frankfort Presbyterian Church. She helped to serve meals, taught vacation Bible school and was a member of the Koinonia Class. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold F. Wanklyn; one brother, George James Heffel; two sisters, Betty Cook and Frances Rittel; and one grandchild, Scott Wanklyn. Survivors include her children, Kathy and Rick Peltz, Palo Cedro, CA, Angie and Rick Frisbie, Salina, KS, David and Sharon Wanklyn, Frankfort, and Karen Romay, Manhattan, KS; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A memorial fund has been established to the First Presbyterian Church of Blue Valley Senior Living. Contributions may be sent in care of Padden Funeral Chapel. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Virginia L. Wanklyn, please visit our flower store.