Virginia Mae Rumsfeld's Obituary
RUMSFELD, VIRGINIA MAE OTTO, Died March 26, 2008 in Dallas, TX after a brief illness. She was born on October 13, 1928 in Forest Junction, Wisconsin to her mother Leona and her father Leonard, a professional beekeeper. Ginny graduated from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, where she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen. While at North Central, she met the love of her life, Bill Rumsfeld; they were married on June 17, 1950. After graduation they moved to Madison Wisconsin where Ginny worked as a legal assistant while Bill completed his Master’s degree and Ph.D. During this time, Ginny lovingly assisted Bill, typing his papers and giving him encouragement and support. After the birth of their first daughter, Ginny chose to stay at home and be a full-time mom. Bill’s career led them to Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Their family was soon completed by the addition of another daughter and two sons and Ginny continued to be a wonderful, devoted mother. She made her children the focus of her life for which they are forever grateful. Once the children were grown Ginny decided to pursue a career and worked for Career Counseling Services for 19 years where she helped run the office and gave career testing and assistance to many people. Members and supporters of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, she and Bill were involved with Meals on Wheels delivering hot food to the elderly and shut-ins. Following Bill’s death, Ginny became a Stephen Minister, helping parishioners in need. Her wisdom and compassion for others will always be remembered. She was especially cherished by her nine grandchildren: Brian (and fianc’ Brittany), Lindsey, Scott, Jeff, Allison, Amy, Mitch, Ben and Kira who called her ‘Granny’ or ‘Gree.’ She lavished them with love and attention and they, in return, gave her such joy. She is predeceased by Dr. Herbert William Rumsfeld, Jr. her husband of 53 years. Sister-in-law, Jean Otto and niece, Carolyn Frye Halloran also preceded her in death. She is survived by her two brothers, Warren Otto of Two Rivers, Wisconsin and Richard Otto and his wife Patti of Scottsdale, Arizona. She is also survived by her four children and their families: Linda and Keith Kendall of San Antonio, Texas; Jim and Susie Rumsfeld of New Orleans, Louisiana; Nancy and Bob Button of Murphy, Texas; Kurt Rumsfeld and Margo Herron of Bethesda, Maryland; brother-in-law, John Rumsfeld and wife, Meg of Corona del Mar, California; sister-in-law, Dee Frye and husband, Wes of New York City; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
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