Virginia Hedges

THE PLAINS — Virginia Lee Bell Hedges died peacefully holding the hands of her family at Hickory Creek Nursing Center on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012 at the age of 83. Born March 12, 1929, to Edith Rosamond Fout Bell and Eric Franklin Bell in Columbus, Ohio. She was a graduate of Lancaster High School, Class of 1947, a 1952 graduate of Ohio University with a Bachelor of Science in education, with a minor is Psychology and a Masters of education and guidance and counseling received in 1965. She was first chair flute and a featured piccolo soloist for the Ohio University Symphonic Band, often performing Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever. Virginia was a member of The Plains United Methodist Church, The Order of the Eastern Star and The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International which is a professional honorary Society of women educator’s, the Ohio Association of School Principals and a Life Member of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association. She held honors of distinction from the Sigma Alpha Iota National Music Honorary, Tau Beta Sigma a national Band Honorary for Women and Psi Chi the National Psychology Honorary. During her 39 year career span in education, she taught and mentored students and teachers alike teaching all disciplines at the elementary, junior high school and high school levels. In 1994 she retired as principal of the Poston Elementary and Nelsonville-York Elementary Schools after 27 years with the Nelsonville-York School District alone. She is survived by her daughter, Monda Lee Hedges DeWeese, son-in law William Stanley DeWeese and her treasured granddaughter, Parker Rosemond DeWeese. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant twin sister, and a loving aunt, Lucille Fout Long Hoffee. The family will receive visitors Thursday, Oct. 25 from 4-6 p.m. at The Plains United Methodist Church, preceding the 6:00 pm funeral service. Conducted by the Reverend Joel Harbarger. A fellowship meal will follow in the church family life center. A private burial will be held at a later date in the Ridgewood Cemetery, Wellston, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the local chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma in memory of Virginia to be used for a scholarship program. Contributions can be mailed to Delta Kappa Gamma/Alpha Lambda Chapter, in care of Jennifer Trotta, 4 Aveline Circle, Athens, Ohio 45701. Private burial will be at Ridgewood Cemetery in Wellston at the family’s convenience. Arrangements are by Hughes-Moquin Funeral Home where you can send a message of sympathy to the family at www.hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com.