Virginia Carol Perrin (Ross)

Virginia Carol Ross was born in Whitlock, TN September 3, 1932, to Ivy Luby Tyler and John Henson Ross. She was one of seven children born in Tennessee. She went to the Whitlock school until the 6th grade when Whitlock could not get a teacher. She then went to the Puryear school until it burned. After that, they had classes in churches and jails. The family first lived in Tater Town, TN in a big white house near her aunt until she was 5 years old. When Papa decided to raise tobacco, corn and cotton, they lived in Puryear on Coon Ridge in a log cabin - 3 rooms with a loft where all the children slept.

The family went to the Foundry Hill RLDS Congregation in Puryear where Papa (John Ross) was pastor. Since her mom was a Baptist, they also attended the Baptist congregation after the RLDS service. In 1946, her dad felt the call to 'gather to Zion' so he moved the family to Independence, MO and got a job at Armco. Virginia's grandparents were Betty Steverson and Walter V. Tyler. They often went to 'Mammy' and Pappy's' house for Sunday dinner. Pappy grew watermelons and hitched up the wagon and took them to town to sell every Saturday.

Don went into the army in 1956 and they moved to Lacy, Washington. She worked in the State Building as a computer operator. After Don came out of the army in 1959, they moved to Independence, MO. Virginia attended William Chrisman High School from 7th grade to graduation. After graduation, she worked at AT&T in Kansas City as a key punch operator. She met Don Perrin and was married on March 30, 1956, by her brother, Jamie Ross, in the Spring Branch RLDS congregation in Independence, MO. She worked for TWA from 1959-1965, then went to work in the Slover Park Preschool in 1966 and took it over in 1970.

After Don's retirement in 1996, they spent many years traveling and enjoyed winters in Texas. Virginia was active in the RLDS church, now Community of Christ, for many years. One of her fond memories was singing in the Messiah Choir with her best friend, Mary Ann Shields. She started when she was 14 years old, then Mary Ann joined after they met as Sophomores. For the last several years, she and Don attended the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on 291 Highway, in Independence and she remained active until her health didn't allow it.

Virginia and Don have two children - Bud Perrin (Diane) and Cathy Mullen (Fred); Grandchildren: Rob Perrin (Jennifer, Tom Perrin (Kim), Josh Mullen (Stephanie) and Rachel Hall (Matt); Step-grandchildren: Becky Hays (Tom), Julie Martin (Bob) and Robert Jensen, as well as many Great Grandchildren; and Siblings: Dallas (JoAnn) and Betty (Bo). Virginia was preceded in death by her Siblings: JW, Dorris Lee, Darrell and Jamie; and her Parents, Ivy Luby Tyler and John Henson Ross.

A visitation to honor Virginia will be held on Thursday, September 2, from 9-10:00 a.m., with a Celebration of Life to follow at 10:00 a.m., both at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th Street, Independence, MO 64055. The service will be livestreamed via Speaks Chapels page for those who would like to virtually attend her service. Virginia will be laid to rest at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600).