Virginia Louise (Watson) McCoy
October 15, 1932 ~ June 14, 2024
Virginia Louise Watson McCoy departed this life on June 14, 2024, at the hospital in Newton, Kansas, following a brief illness.
Virginia was born on October 15, 1932, in West Mineral, Kansas, to Frank Watson and Mary Wilcox Watson. Virginia was the youngest of four children. At the age of five, following the deaths of her parents, Virginia was adopted by relatives Alfred and Ruth Watson of Towanda, Kansas. With Al and Ruth’s love, Virginia was raised in Towanda, where she graduated high school and met the love of her life, Robert Lee (Bob) McCoy.
Virginia and Bob were married on August 6, 1954, at the United Methodist Church in Towanda, where they made their home and began a family. While living in Towanda, they welcomed sons Michael Lee and Scott Alan, and daughter Nancy Ruth.
In 1964, the McCoys moved to Whitewater, Kansas, where Bob became station agent for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. Shortly after moving to Whitewater, Virginia and Bob welcomed their last child, son Robert Andrew.
Virginia and Bob were active in the Whitewater community and in the Federated Church. Over the years, they built and operated two businesses: McCoy’s Antiques, Flowers, and Gifts, and McCoy Storage. Additionally, Virginia operated a licensed daycare and served as mayor. Virginia also was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the “Happy Hour Club”.
Virginia had a tender heart for all animals and, over the years, the McCoy family grew by at least five dogs and six cats. For the last year of her life, Virginia chose to reside at Wheat State Manor in Whitewater, where she enjoyed the company of the staff and fellow residents.
Virginia is survived by her sons Michael of Kansas City, MO, Scott (Katherine) of Whitewater, and Robert (Vicky) of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren Amber (Kris) Quintana, Cody Ross, Cole (Olivia) McCoy, Delaney McCoy, Blake McCoy, Chase McCoy; great grandchildren Aspen, Bella, Shelby, Madeline, Connie, Abel, Jericho, River, Ellie; great, great granddaughter Charlotte; and many nieces and nephews. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents Frank, Mary, Al, and Ruth; brother Roby and sisters Bessie and Juanita; husband Bob; daughter Nancy (Charles) Ross; granddaughter Heather McCoy and grandson Brandon McCoy.
Virginia’s body was cremated, and her remains will be laid to rest next to Bob in a private service at the cemetery in Neal, Kansas. Lamb Funeral Home is serving the family. Memorial contributions in Virginia’s name may be made to the Whitewater Community Cats or the Federated Church in care of the funeral home.
READ MORE: Salina Juneteenth celebrations this week