Virginia Eddy

Virginia May Eicher 92, passed away at her home in Arlee, MT on Monday, February 20, 2023, with family by her side.  She would have been 93 on March 6, 2023.

She was born to Gladys and Jacob Eicher on March 6, 1930, in Council Bluffs Iowa. She was the 2nd oldest in a family of 7 children. Two of her siblings are remaining. She attended school and graduated high school in Council Bluffs. Her first job was also in Council Bluffs in a secretarial pool at a busy office.

She later went on to marry Duane A Chafee, moved all over the western United States. Including Washington, South Dakota, Wyoming. Nebraska, Colorado, and Montana. They had 5 children together. The youngest of these children Trudy Kay chafee died just a few days before Virginia on February 15, 2023, from a very rare lung disease.

She had many different careers including working at a nursing home in Missoula as a nurse’s aide. The job she loved the most was head dietitian at St. Patrick hospital.

She was divorced from Duane in the late 60s after 20 years of marriage she became a single mom. Duane preceded her in death in 2014.

She met Joe Eddy while working as cashier at Muralts truck stop and they married in 1974. Joe preceded her in death in 2018.

She then retired with Joe and was able to pursue her hobbies. They had many wonderful travels and adventures. Including a trip from Montana to Fairbanks Alaska on a motorcycle. They camped out along the way and loved every minute. They continued camping and stayed active   They were able to go camping into their 80s   Their last camping trip was in 2017.

She loved to sew, knit, and crochet and made many beautiful things for her children and grandchildren.

She leaves behind her three daughters Sandra and Linda of Montana; LeaAnn of SD and one son, Michael of Texas; thirteen grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.  Her brother Ivan in Iowa and her sister Betty in Washington.